CARMEL – Putnam County is losing beach days as a result of harmful algae blooms.
Health officials reported Monday several beaches have been closed due to the blooms including Barger Pond in Putnam Valley, Carraras Beach in Lake Peekskill, Jackson Beach in Putnam Lake, Singers Beach in Lake Peekskill and Warren Beach in Putnam Lake.
County Environmental Health Director Shawn Rogan explained that algae blooms can be different colors including blue-green, or plain green, yellow, brown, or red. Blooms may also have a scum on the water surface, or at the shoreline. Large blooms often look unnatural—look like paint has been spilled into the water.
Rogan called the algae bloom issue “center stage” for the health department this time of the year. He stressed negative effects result from algae blooms “just by being in the water and having direct contact of even sitting on the beach and breathing in the harmful blooms, which produce a toxin that can be extremely harmful not only to humans but their pets. Dogs and other domestic animals must refrain from swimming in water containing algae blooms.”
The US Environmental Protection Agency has reported “clusters of dog deaths” over the past six summers after pets were exposed to toxic algae.
Rogan explained that dogs are so susceptible because “when the pooch jumps into a lake or pond, it swallows an enormous amount of water. If the water is contaminated with toxins or cyanobacteria, the dog ingests it directly which can result in death. An additional concern can result when a dog exits the water. If the canine’s owner fails to hose down the animal and the dog licks its hair, the dog will be further exposed to potential harm.”
Rogan’s advice: “When in doubt, stay out. The best way to ensure the safety of you and your pets is to avoid contact with water that appears to be experiencing an algae bloom.”
If someone believes his or her dog may have been exposed to a harmful algae bloom, the EPA urges the dog’s caretaker to “immediately rinse the animal in clean, fresh water while wearing gloves while watching for symptoms that can occur anywhere from 15 minutes to several days following exposure.”
Should the dog suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, staggering, drooling, difficulty in breathing or convulsing, the owner is urged to take it to a veterinarian immediately.
Rogan reminded the public to contact the Putnam Health Department as well.
His advice for all those who use area lakes and ponds during this oppressive heat and humidity to cool off, if you see something you think may be blue-green algae, tell the beach operator, staff or lifeguard. The Putnam County Department of Health should be notified at 845-808-1390 as well.
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