Village maintenance staff have closed Indian Pines and Red Jacket swimming areas in Penn Yan after noticing a harmful algal bloom (HAB) on Friday.
Finger Lakes News Radio reports the beaches will remain closed until the Department of Health grants permission to reopen.
HABs, consisting of cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, can multiply rapidly under certain conditions such as warm temperatures and calm winds, producing toxins and harmful compounds that pose health risks to both humans and animals.
Health officials are urging the public to avoid any contact with HABs, including avoiding discolored water and never consuming untreated surface water, as in-home treatments do not protect against HAB toxins.
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