Upstate NY beach reopens after algal bloom closure

CANANDAIGUA, NY — The Kershaw Park beach swim area will reopen Monday after it was closed for about a week because of a suspected toxic algal bloom on Canandaigua Lake last week.

The state Department of Health gave the go-ahead to city officials, said Canandaigua City Manager John Goodwin on Monday morning. The city-owned beach will be open normal hours, which on weekdays and weekends run from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The nearby dog beach also was closed for the week.

Heed beach closure warnings. Here's why.

Here's why it's important to heed warnings about entering the lake when a suspected algal bloom is reported, according to Ontario County Public Health Director Kate Ott.

Some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins; substances that can hurt humans and other mammals. Toxins can cause skin, eye and throat irritation, gastrointestinal symptoms and in large amounts, damage to the liver and nervous system.

"Respect beach closures and if you own a boat or lake property, look for blooms before you or your dog take the plunge,” Ott said.

What to do if you contact blue-green algae

Additionally, people and pets should not drink lake water, particularly when blooms are in season. Boiling lake water does not remove the toxins.

Here's what Ott said you can do if you come into contact with a bloom. Rinse your skin and eyes with clear water.

Showering with lake water may aerosolize toxins, causing them to be inhaled. Avoid this practice when blooms are in your area, near your water intake line, or during bloom season.

If you experience severe skin or respiratory irritation or develop headache, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, see a healthcare provider.

For more information

Here are some useful websites for more information.

Visit the state Department of Health at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae/ .

Visit the state Department of Environmental Conservation at https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quality/harmful-algalblooms .

For information about the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association, visit https://www.canandaigualakeassoc.org/ .

For information about the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, visit https://senecalake.org/Blooms .

For information about the Honeoye Lake Watershed Task Force, visit https://www.honeoyelakewatershed.org/ .

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Upstate NY beach reopens after algal bloom closure