Warnings have been issued at beaches around Winnipeg as the algae levels rise.

Red warning signs have been issued at multiple beaches in Manitoba. These signs let swimmers know that blue-green algae has exceeded the recreational water quality objective for cyanobacterial cell count.

Signs posted at these beaches warn swimmers that swimming is not recommended:

  • Sandy Lake
  • Shoal Lake - Marshall Chambers Park
  • Killarney Lake
  • Pelican Lake (Ninette)
  • Pelican Lake (Pleasant Valley)
  • Rivers Reservoir

Yellow advisory signs have also been posted at multiple beaches since July 7. An advisory sign means an elevated bacteria count, which has exceeded Manitoba's recreational water quality objective. These usually last for a short period of time.

If you see a yellow advisory sign, you should avoid swallowing lake water, wash your hands before handling food, and avoid swimming with an open cut. If you are on Lake Winnipeg, avoid water contact if lake levels are high and strong winds are blowing from the north The advisory is posted at:

  • Gimli Beach (since July 7)
  • Hnausa Beach (since July 12)
  • Sandy Hook Beach (July 12)
  • Winnipeg Beach (July 12)
  • Milne Beach (July 12)
  • Spruce Sands Beach (July 19)
  • West Grand Beach (July 27)

While the presence of algae is actually a sign of a healthy lake, too much will form clumps and cause water quality problems for drinking or recreation.