North Coast beaches safe for swimming again but caution still urged over algae residue
A red-flag warning has been lifted
Waters at Castlerock, Portstewart strand, Downhill, and Benone beaches are safe for swimming again.
A red-flag warning has been lifted after confirmation potentially toxic algae has dispersed.
Dog walkers are still being advised to watch out for any residue along the shoreline.
A statement from DAERA said, “The red flag advice against bathing at Portstewart, Castlerock, Downhill and Benone beaches on the North Coast has now been removed, however the public is still advised to be vigilant for pockets of blue green algae residue and scum along the shoreline.”
“Samples taken by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) throughout the weekend from the bathing waters in Portstewart, Castlerock, Downhill and Benone, show that the Blue-Green Algae has now dispersed and the waters are safe to bathe in. The local bathing water operators have confirmed that all red flag warnings have now been removed.”
“However, small pockets of scum and residue of the algae may still be on the shoreline and people should remain careful not to let their dogs ingest such material.”
DAERA will now revert to its regular weekly monitoring of the bathing waters.
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