Officials advise against bathing in or visiting the immediate boiling lake area to avoid harmful effects

Photo Credit: Bevin Lewis Facebook Page

​Recent photos surfacing on social media depicts two tourists taking a dip in the Boiling Lake while on an excursion, as the water is now cold, and while it may seem harmful, officials are advising against that.
 
Officials of the Disaster Management, the Forestry Division and the Seismic Research Centre, are advising that persons involved in this activity should desist with immediate effect, since the water can return to its original boiling state with little or no warning.
 
A statement issued by the ODM today Thursday, advised further that people should also avoid visiting the immediate area, until the activity has subsided. Only officials involved in the monitoring of the Boiling Lake should venture in the area.
 
"Water levels at the Boiling Lake have been changing in recent days, a phenomenon that has occurred several times since 1876. The lake levels have dropped significantly, and been restored at least seven (7) times in the past recorded history – 1876, 1900, 1901, 1971, 1988, 2004 and present. On 8th November, 2016 visitors to the Boiling Lake reported that it had drained again" said officials.
 
Scientists at The UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC) have confirmed that changes in water levels at the Boiling Lake are not necessarily related to increased volcanic activity in the area, or to geothermal exploration. 
 
However, during these episodes, harmful gases such as Carbon Dioxide, can be released. Small steam explosion may also occur. The last such occurrence was during the period December 2004 to April 2005.
 
The UWI-SRC has been monitoring the Boiling Lake as part of its volcano monitoring programme in Dominica.