Signs warning of the dangers of a rare amoeba will be posted at Lake Havasu, suggesting swimmers take precautions such as plugging their noses when they dive.
The City Council decided to take the action after last month's death of Aaron Evans, 14, who doctors believe was infected with the microscopic amoeba, Naegleria fowleri (nuh-GLEER-ee-uh FOWL'-erh-eye), while swimming at the lake.
"I'm happy with it," said Keith Evans, Aaron's grandfather. "It shows they're stepping up."
The city will post the signs 1 mile from the lakefront. Arizona and California share jurisdiction on the remaining lake frontage, along with county and state agencies and Indian tribes.
Mohave County also is considering posting signs and the Board of Health will take up the matter next month.
The signs the city plans to post will warn against dangers including "drowning, physical injuries and illnesses caused by amoebas and bacteria, which exist naturally," according to city staff.
The signs direct bathers not to inhale water through their mouth and nose, and to avoid diving into murky or shallow water.
Human infection by the amoeba is extremely rare but almost always fatal, with six deaths, including Evans, reported this year in the U.S. When inhaled, the single-cell creature at attaches itself to the olfactory nerve, then makes its way to the brain.
City Manager Richard Kaffenberger said Tuesday that he believes the city should take the lead role in encouraging a multistate educational campaign about the amoeba.
Besides posting signs, the city may also run public service announcements during periods when the amoeba becomes active, city spokesman Charlie Cassens said.
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