Red flag raised at Pärnu after suspected blue-green algae spotted
On Monday, the G4S Coast Guard discovered blue-green algae on the shores of Pärnu and hoisted a red flag indicating danger when swimming. The city government has installed warning signs on the beach.
Marve Virunurm, the chief specialist of environment and well-being at Pärnu City Government, said initially the Coast Guard have made a visual assessment of the blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, on the beach.
Once the health authority has taken samples and the results are available, final confirmation can be given. "However, we decided to put up warning signs immediately to inform people about the danger of cyanobacteria," said Virunurm.
Warning signs in Estonian and English will be placed on the two beaches of Raeküla, three beaches at Mae, Keskranda, Vana-Pärnu beach and Valgeranda.
Red flags indicate that swimming is not recommended because the water contains blue-green algae.
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Editor: Helen Wright
