VERONA — The swimming area at Verona Beach State Park has been closed due to the presence of harmful algal blooms.

 

An announcement on the Verona Beach State Park Facebook page said the beach would remain closed until further notice. Visitors may sunbathe on the sand but are advised not to go into the water.

 

However, the park's Splash Pad remains open.

 

On Friday, the park made its first announcement that swimming was closed due to the presence of blue green algae. Visitors to the beach are also warned that blooms can make pets sick and to keep them away from the water.

 

If contact does occur, skin should be rinsed with clean water. If symptoms occur, contact a medical provider. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, skin, eye and throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

 

Harmful Algae Blooms, or HABs, are likely triggered by a combination of water and environmental conditions that may include: excess nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen), lots of sunlight, low-water or low-flow conditions, calm water, and warm temperatures.

 

Park personnel said they were "hoping" the water would be tested today and anticipated the water would need to remain closed to swimmers and boaters for "at least a couple more days."

 

Meanwhile, the water at Sylvan Beach is open. Village officials said because there is no supervised swimming area at Sylvan Beach, the water is not monitored.