CHAUTAUQUA - Two more beaches have been closed to swimming, this time at Chautauqua Institution.
On Tuesday, the county Health Department beach monitoring website listed Chautauqua's Children's beach and Pier beach at the College Club as being closed. The reason given for the beaches being closed was blue-green algae.
On Monday, Lakeside Park beach in Mayville was and remains closed because of blue-green algae. Blue-green algae forms thick mats on the water surface resembling paint and can range in color from gray to various shades of yellow, green, blue or brown. Blue-green algal blooms can be a problem because they can release a toxin, which at high levels is harmful to human and animal health if ingested.
On July 30, the county Health Department had to close Lakewood Village Beach at Richard O. Hartley Park for a few days because of blue-gree algae. The beach has since been and remains open.
In June, the county's Health Department issued a news release warning people about the blue-green algae. Health Department officials said the mild winter and higher-than-normal temperatures has made summer bloom early throughout the region, this includes nuisance aquatic weeds and algae in lakes. County Health Department officials have urged all residents to be cautious when recreating in area lakes, especially if weeds or algae are present. Weeds can restrict swimmer's movements that can be dangerous, especially for beginner swimmers and children.
Even though the algae can release toxin, no human deaths have been connected to it. For more information on beach closings in the county, visit co.chaut auqua.ny.us/departments/health/pages/beachmonitoring.aspx.