Yet another NY waterfront is closed this summer due to algae bloom

BETHEL - Sullivan County has temporarily suspended swimming and boat rentals at Lake Superior State Park in Bethel due to an unhealthy algae bloom.

"Cyanobacteria, better known as blue-green algae, has increased to potentially harmful levels at Lake Superior's beach, due in large part to the ongoing hot weather," said Brian Scardefield, Sullivan County's director of parks, recreation and beautification. "People and animals who come in contact with the algae may develop irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract - or nausea, diarrhea and vomiting if they swallow any of it."

"We will continue to monitor the lake quality daily and will reopen once the algae has cleared and the water has been tested," Scardefield said.

In the meantime, Lake Superior State Park remains open for picnicking, hiking and land-based recreation. The public boat launch is also open.

Algae blooms in NY: These Hudson Valley waterfronts have closed due to algae blooms

For those who want to swim, other swimming locations in the area include public access points along the Delaware River and municipal pools in Bethel, Callicoon, Fallsburg, Mamakating, Liberty, Neversink and Monticello.

If someone is exposed to the algae, they should rinse the affected area with clean water as soon as possible; consider getting medical attention if experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, irritation or breathing difficulties; and report symptoms to the New York State Department of Health at 845-794-2045.

For more information, visit health.ny.gov/harmfulalgae.

Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record and the Poughkeepsie Journal. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com.

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Bethel's Lake Superior beach closed due to algae bloom