There has been an outbreak of an algae bloom that can cause skin rashes, vomiting and diarrhoea
(Picture: Jeremy Selwyn)The Serpentine has been closed to swimmers “until further notice” after an outbreak of an algae bloom that can cause skin rashes, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Members of the Serpentine Swimming Club were told by its president Alan Mitchell that the gates to the swimming area where regular bathers include broadcaster Emily Maitlis were locked on Tuesday night.
He said: “Some of you may have noticed ‘green gunk’ and unsavoury smells when swimming recently. It turns out that it was more than the usual end-of-summer green vegetation mass die-off.
Swimming is closed in the Serpentine with the Serpentine Swimming Club until further notice because of a blue green algae bloom.
— Serps Swimming Club (@SerpsSwimClub) August 31, 2021
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“We are sorry to inform you that swimming is closed at the Serpentine Swimming Club as of tonight until further notice as The Royal Parks have notified us of a blue green algae bloom.
“Blue green algae can cause severe skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and pain in joints and muscles. As a result, the gates to the swimming area will be shut tonight, and not open until further notice.”
The Serpentine Swimming Club’s president said he wasn’t sure how long the bloom would last.
It is expected people won’t be able to go swimming for at least a few days.
Previously, Mr Mitchell said they had experienced this more than 12 years ago.
