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Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\nA bathing ban is in place at a popular north coast beach over the August bank holiday weekend due to the presence of blue-green algae.<\/p>\n High levels of the potentially toxic algae was found at Benone Strand on Thursday.<\/p>\n No other beaches on the north coast are affected at this time, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) said.<\/p>\n It comes amid a number of reports of blue-green algae in loughs and waterways in Northern Ireland over the last few months, namely at Lough Neagh.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In a statement on Friday, Daera said blue-green algae was detected during a regular sample of bathing waters at the beach, where later analysis confirmed “high levels” of the bacteria in the water.<\/p>\n “The Department has issued the bathing water operator, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, an ‘Advice against Bathing’ notification,” it added.<\/p>\n “No other north coast beaches are affected at this time. <\/p>\n “The department will continue to monitor these beaches for blue-green algae and provide advice to bathing water operators when required.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n On Benone Strand, a dozen or more cars are parked, but children and dogs remain safely on the sand. <\/p>\n Some adults have entered the water, despite loudspeaker announcements from the RNLI lifeguard hut warning that a red flag is in place and swimming is prohibited. <\/p>\n Lough Neagh drains into the Lower Bann, which flows to the north coast, so it’s no surprise that blue-green algae from upstream has reached the beach. <\/p>\n For those hoping for a last-hurrah summer swim on a sunny bank holiday weekend, however, it’s a disappointing blow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Blue-green algae, technically known as cyanobacteria, is a collection of microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams.<\/p>\n Under certain conditions, blue-green algae can become abundant in warm, shallow, undisturbed, nutrient-rich surface waters that receive a lot of sunlight.<\/p>\n When this occurs, blue-green algae can form blooms that discolour the water, or produce floating mats or scums on the water’s surface.<\/p>\n It can spread rapidly, with blooms beginning to double every seven to 14 days.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n While some blue-green algae can produce toxins, it is not possible to tell by sight alone. For pets, livestock and wildlife, the blooms can be extremely dangerous.<\/p>\n If people are exposed to high levels of blue-green algae, either through contact with water blooms, swallowing the water or inhaling airborne droplets, may cause health effects.<\/p>\n These can include diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.<\/p>\n Read more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![](\"https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20250814-092707-b0ec5bc3fc-web-2.27.1-1\/grey-placeholder.png\")
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLouise Cullen, BBC News NI agriculture and environment correspondent, at the scene<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
What is blue-green algae?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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