Southwick Beach is closed due to Blue-Green Algae

HENDERSON, N.Y. (WWTI) – According to a Facebook post on Saturday, August 24 , the swim section at Southwick Beach State Park is closed due to Harmful Blue-Green Algae Blooms.

You are reminded to stay out of the water as contact with Blue-Green Algae can make people and animals sick. Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

If you see discolored water, blooms, or scum outside the swim area, don’t swim, fish, or boat in those areas and keep kids and pets away. Areas with Harmful Blue-Green Algae Blooms can have a blue-green, green, yellow, brown, red, have a paint-like appearance or there could be scum on the water surface. Report any information on suspicious blooms to HABsInfo@dec.ny.gov .

If contact occurs, rinse with clean water immediately. If symptoms occur, contact a medical provider. If a pet and/or livestock consume large amounts of water containing blooms, scums or benthic mats seek veterinarian care immediately.

You can keep up to date with all beach closures on the NYS Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation web page .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.