ANGLERS should be cautious about eating any fish caught in Lake Connewarre and the Barwon River at Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove.
That was the warning from health authorities yesterday following reports of an outbreak of blue-green algae in the lake.
While fishermen and beachgoers continued to enjoy the river at Barwon Heads yesterday, authorities were testing the water quality and erecting warning signs on the riverbank.
The signs presently stretch as far downstream as the Guthridge St boat ramp in Ocean Grove but authorities are still testing water closer to the river mouth.
The stretch of river near the Barwon Heads Bridge remained a popular family swimming area yesterday, with many youngsters splashing in the shallows and enjoying games on the sandy bank, but that may change next week, depending on the results of the testing.
In the meantime, Parks Victoria is urging residents to pay attention to signage and exercise caution in the water.
Near the Rondor Caravan Park on Sheepwash Rd, relaxed anglers wet their lines, unperturbed by the warning.
Holiday-maker Darren Cumming and his son Zac, from Donald in north central Victoria, said they were no strangers to blue-green algae.
"I've come across it a few times before up near home," Mr Cumming said.
"If you're not going in the water you're generally pretty safe, so if we just have a fish and wash everything down properly afterwards we should be fine."
Belmont's Michael Chwalko said he knew about the outbreak but wasn't going to let it affect a pleasant afternoon of fishing.
"I would never swim in this part of the river anyway. It's just a good fishing spot," he said.
"It's more about getting away for the afternoon and relaxing."
Department of Health spokesman Graeme Walker said anyone using the river in the areas identified as dangerous should try to avoid contact with the water and also keep their pets away from the water.
He urged anglers to exercise caution.
"People who come into contact with water affected by blue-green algae can experience rashes or hayfever-like symptoms, and if ingested it can cause liver issues," he said.
"Anyone who has a health concern should, as a first point of call, see their doctor."
Parks Victoria district chief ranger Siobhan Rogan said the authorities responsible for the waterway would continue to monitor the levels of the blue-green algae species Nodularia spumigena.
"The stretch about 1.5km north of the Barwon Heads bridge currently shows no visual signs of algae, but we are waiting on test results to confirm if concentrations of blue-green algae are high in this area," she said.
For more information, go to parks.vic.gov.au or for health advice phone the Environmental Health Unit on 1300 761 874.
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