Algae warning to dog walkers at nature reserve in North Lincolnshire
People have been urged to "take extra care"
Dog walkers and visitors to Ashby Ville Nature Reserve are being urged to take extra care after the council confirmed there is a potential outbreak of blue green algae.
North Lincolnshire Council are urging people not enter the water at the site in Scunthorpe, while it works with the Environment Agency to check the water.
The council also reminded visitors that open water swimming can be dangerous and even fatal.
"Extremely dangerous"
It said: "Ponds and lakes may contain hidden rubbish, sunken buildings or dangerous weeds that can trap bathers, who also risk catching waterborne infections.
"At this time of year the shock of entering cold water can also be extremely dangerous."
Blue-green algae is not actually an alga but a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria.
Cyanobacteria can increase greatly in numbers and form visible ‘blooms’.
Some blooms can produce toxins that can potentially be harmful to animal and public health.
It is not possible to tell if a bloom is producing toxins without additional testing however caution is advised where blooms have been confirmed.