City warns residents not to swim in Westlake River

By Khanyisa Tabata
17 April 2010

The City of Cape Tow has issuewd a warning top people of the Kirstenhof area not to go and swim in the Westlake after samples from the river confirmed the presence of blue-green Algae, as well as the presence of the toxins associated with it.

Executive Director for the City Dr. Ivan Bromfield says they would like to warn the general public of the Kirstenhof area, as well as recreational users that frequent the public open space along the Westlake river, to use caution and avoid contact with the river water with visible algae blooms until further notice.

“This type of algae does not generally occur in flowing rivers. It has been established that a dam upstream has had a blue-green algae outbreak and therefore water flowing over the dam wall into the Westlake river carries with it blue-green algal cells.

“Blue-Green Algae and the toxins it releases can present a health hazard for those swimming or playing in the river, especially children and pets. We recommend that people stay out of the water and keep their dogs out of the river as well,” Bromfield said.

Bromfield added that accidentally drinking or swallowing large amounts of contaminated water can be extremely dangerous.

Should any person for any reason come into direct contact with the blue-green Algae they are advised that they should wash themselves immediately with clean water. If any symptoms are evident, they should immediately seek medical advice.