A health warning has been issued by the local Medical Officer of Health for Holdens Bay in Lake Rotorua due to a bloom of potentially toxic blue-green algae. These algal blooms can readily move from one part of the lake to another.
Public health advice is to avoid any recreational activity that can result in significant contact with water. Avoid contact with water if it looks discoloured, has an unusual smell, or if you see scum or leathery mats of algae.
These algal blooms have the capacity to release toxins into the water which can cause significant ill-health to anyone who has contact with the water. The toxins can affect the nervous system causing numbness and difficulty with breathing, and also sparking asthma attacks. Contact with the water can also cause skin rashes, stomach upsets and visual problems.
More information on toxic algae: https://www.lawa.org.nz/.../can-i-swim-here/toxic-algae
List of up-to-date health warnings for the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts: https://toiteora.govt.nz/health-warnings