Popular holiday park shuts down watersports lake after toxic algae outbreak

NewsUK News A TOXIC algae outbreak has forced a major holiday and watersports park to close its lake due to public health risk. The blue-green bacteria can kill dogs and cause sickness in humans including skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea. Hardwick Park in Standlake, Oxfordshire, has closed its waterpark lake after testing revealed it contains dangerous blue-green algae. The lake offers a range of watersports including water‑skiing, wakeboarding, Ringo rides and fishing but has shut until further notice whilst the bacteria outbreak is dealt with. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The Oxford Mail reported a statement from the Hardwick Parks Team to guests said: “On inspection of our lake today, we have identified an isolated area of potential blue-green algae. “The Environment Agency have been notified; until we have the results from their water testing, use of the lake is prohibited until further notice. When this situation changes, we will notify your email.” The park hosts 180 acres of grassland and lakes offering camping and a caravan park to visitors. A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We can confirm that following testing, samples taken from Hardwick Park lakes contain blue-green algae. “It is the responsibility of the owners to warn users, put up signs and restrict access.” The bacteria, named cyanobacteria, can be deadly to animals, with an even higher risk to dog, s and cause sickness in humans. Most read in The Sun Charity Blue Cross describes the algae as “highly poisonous” to dogs, with rapidly developing symptoms which can lead to liver and brain damage. Comment now