A Northern Ireland council has lifted a 'red flag' swimming ban at three beauty spots following tests for toxic blue-green algae.
Bathers had been banned from the water at Benone Strand, Castlerock Beach and Downhill Strand for a number of days after reports that the potentially toxic algae had been spotted in the water.
Announcing that the ban has been lifted with immediate effect, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council confirmed that tests carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) showed the presence of toxins were well below the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline levels.
Read more: North Coast beaches hit by 'stay out of water' warning over blue green algae fears
Posting on social media, the council said: "Council has received confirmation that analysis of the water samples collected by DAERA for the presence of blue green algae has established that levels are well below the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline level.
"As a result, the decision has been made to remove the red flag status at Benone Strand, Castlerock Beach and Downhill Strand with immediate effect."
The presence of blue-green algae in waters around Northern Ireland is believed to have been the cause of a number of dog deaths in recent months.
Blue-green algae is a type of bacteria that produces harmful toxins which take effect when eaten, inhaled or skin contact is made.
As well as being harmful to pets, It can also create issues for humans and contact with affected water can cause skin irritation, mild respiratory effects and hayfever-like symptoms.
Ingesting toxins can also cause gastroenteritis symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and headaches and the toxins can also have an effect on the liver and the nervous system.
What is blue green algae:
- It is not actually an algae but a highly toxic bacteria called cyanobacteria
- It is frequently found in freshwater systems
- It can also be found in estuarine and marine systems.
- It is waterborne and airborne
- It causes respiratory distress in some people and animals
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