×

Lakewood Beach Still Closed As Reports Of Blue-Green Algae Remain

LAKEWOOD — For more than a week, beach goers haven’t been able to enjoy the sunny, summer days at Lakewood Village Beach with blue-green algae present.

As of Thursday, the beach was still closed due to confirmed reports of blue-green algae. While a reopening date is still unknown due to the unpredictability, county health officials they’re continuing to monitor the water in hopes to open the beach when safe.

Jessica Wuerstle, county public health sanitarian, said water samples taken Monday and Tuesday showed low levels of blue-green algae. On Wednesday, water conditions changed. The public beach operates Wednesday through Sunday.

“It was a nice sunny day and the water was super green,” she said. “The way that we treat these blooms is since they are unpredictable, anytime we see indication of blooms the beach is closed.”

Wuerstle said there’s a chance the beach could reopen if conditions are cooler, cloudy and windy to push the blue-green algae away. Unfortunately, she said sunny days are only promoting blue-green algae.

“We’re sort of stuck here,” she said. “Obviously, people want to go to the beach on sunny days, but those are the days when we’re more likely to see algal growth.”

All other public beaches around Chautauqua Lake are open. They include beaches at Chautauqua Institution, Mayville Lakeside Park and Long Point State Park.

Residents and visitors are reminded to take precautions when swimming, boating and recreating on the water. Algal blooms can present a public risk since they can release toxins that may be harmful to people and pets.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today