Adventure Cove hit with season setback due to algae alert

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A local swimming beach is set to open this weekend with many of its activities and services reduced due to the threat of a harmful algae growing in the water.

Shawnee County Parks and Recreation (SCP+R) announced on Friday, May 24 that Lake Shawnee's Adventure Cove will open this weekend on Saturday, May 25. However, many of the activities most people would expect to find at Adventure Cove, swimming, the floating playground and paddleboards, will not be accessible to the public.

Sean Zears with SCP+R said this is due to the presence of blue-green algae in the water. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) first put Lake Shawnee on its list of ongoing watches and warnings several weeks ago. In a recent release on May 24, Lake Shawnee is still listed as being under a blue-green algae watch.

Activities which are still available at Adventure Cove include renting canoes and kayaks. Boating and fishing activities are still considered safe at Lake Shawnee.

Lakes can be classified at different levels in Kansas for the presence of blue-green algae: watch, warning and hazard. The KDHE recommends different precautions to those who might come into contact with lakes afflicted by the algae:

• Watch
  • Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals. 
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water. 
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms. 
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact. 
  • Clean fish well with clean water and eat fillet portions only. 
• Warning
  • Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
  • Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.
  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.  
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.  
  • Water contact should be avoided.  
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.  
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.  
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.  
• Hazard
  • Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
  • It is recommended that either a portion of the lake or the entire lake or zone be closed to the public.
  • In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.
  • When partial closures (i.e., beach or cove) are issued, the remaining lake or zone area will carry a warning status.

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