You've probably heard by now that an algal bloom is overtaking San Francisco Bay. Can you swim with it there?
Bay and tens of thousands of dead fish are washing up on beaches and around Lake Merritt. The murky soup that's the reddish, brownish color of root beer formed because a type of algae called Heterosigma akashiwo is growing out of control. It's among the types of algae that can cause red tides.
It's clearly not good for the fish, but what about humans? Is it safe to swim in the bay that may offer a place to cool off during theState and local health officials are advising that humans avoid swimming in the bay if they can see algal bloom in the water. While the algae is not toxic to humans, it could cause skin or eye irritation, said Eileen White, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, one of several government agencies monitoring the bloom.
"If it's there, the water is a reddish-brownish color," said White."You can tell by the look of the water. It's pretty obvious. If the water doesn't look good, don't swim in it. If there's no algal bloom, then it's OK." White also advised pet owners to keep dogs out of the bay in areas where the bloom is present. She said boating on the bay is perfectly safe, and on Wednesday morning, she saw crew boats on Lake Merritt.
Aquatic Park in San Francisco is a popular spot for bay swimming, and White said she could not confirm whether the bloom was in this area. Several swimmers with the Dolphin Club said they have seen the bloom come and go here.
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