The City of Hamilton has closed Pier 4 Park public beach after discovering the toxin-producing blue-green algae or cyanobacteria.

Contact with blue-green algae should be avoided due to potential health risks. If you do come in contact with the water, wash yourself off as soon as possible with clean water.

People who come in to contact with blue-green algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Hamilton Public Health say anyone who has recently been in direct contact with the waters along the western shoreline of Hamilton Harbour and is experiencing headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting is advised to contact their primary care provider.