Penn Yan closes three swimming areas

PENN YAN--Two waterfront notifications were posted Saturday, Aug. 4 in Penn Yan, "BEACH CLOSED."
Sara Christensen, RN, supervising public health nurse for Yates County, said, "The Red Jacket and Indian Pines swim areas in Penn Yan beach areas were closed due to blue-green algal blooms."
Christensen added the state Department of Health will monitor the water and test again this week.
Deborah Minor, RN, and public health director for Yates County said the state health department was in Penn Yan Monday, Aug. 6 to take additional water samples. As of Tuesdayafternoon, Aug. 7, the two park swimming areas were still closed and additionally, Camp Cory swimming was stopped.
Swimming or ingesting water that has blue-green algal blooms can be hazardous to your health due to the potential for toxins that can be created in the blooms, according to the Department of Health's website. These toxins are harmful to skin and other body organs for people, pets or other animals. Avoiding the water until after the blooms are gone and cleared by environmental officials is always recommended.
Always stay away from blooms in surface waters.
• Don't swim, fish, boat, or wade in areas with blooms.
• Don't eat fish caught from areas with blooms.
• Rinse with clean water if you, your family or pets have contact with blooms.
If you are not on a public water supply and are using surface water:
• Bloom or no bloom, never drink, prepare food, or make ice with untreated surface water. You may also consider not using it for washing, especially if it looks cloudy.
• During a bloom, don't drink, prepare food, or make ice with surface water, even if you treat the water yourself.
• Boiling water will not remove blue-green algae or their toxins.