Serpentine's poisonous algae puts 2012 swimming events in danger

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Tests have found blue-green algae in the lake, which will be used for the 2012 triathlon and the 10km marathon swim.

Swimmers are being warned they may suffer skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever if they swallow the contaminated water, which can kill dogs and other animals. The algae, which occurs naturally most summers, could reappear next August for the men's and women's triathlons, which include a 1,500m swim, and the marathon swimming races.

It could also scupper next month's triathlon world championships, which will attract Olympic athletes, and 25,000 spectators.

London 2012 organisers have refused to reveal contingency plans but a ban on the Serpentine could force them to use the Royal Docks in Newham, used for the annual London Triathlon.