Updated 07/08/2011 02:40 PM
Algae growth forces officials to suspend swimming at Sylvan Beach
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SYLVAN BEACH, N.Y. (AP) - The algae is so thick on parts of Oneida Lake in central New York that health officials have suspended swimming.
Village officials suspended swimming at Sylvan Beach after county health inspectors noticed the opaque, green water around noon on Thursday. Verona Beach, a state park near Syracuse, suspended swimming around 2 p.m. when state officials noted the
same green color. Samples from both beaches were sent to Albany for testing for
blue-green algae, which produces toxins that can cause disorientation and stomach upsets in humans and can kill small pets. Even if the algae isn't toxic, health officials don't recommend opening the beaches until the water is clearer because lifeguards could have a hard time seeing swimmers.
Sunbathing is still allowed at Verona Beach.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.