Sylvan Beach is a popular vacation spot for many, with visitors traveling in from hours away to enjoy the quaint village, but this year, beachgoers say they're disappointed. On Wednesday, beach officials closed down the designated swimming area after the water tested positive for blue-green algae. Visitors say the water looked like green milk.
On Thursday, the enclosed swimming area remained closed, but many visitors went in the lake anyway, saying it looked much clearer than the day before. Other beachgoers were more cautious, knowing blue-green algae can cause skin irritation and other symptoms.
"We all agreed that we're not going to go in and go under, just wade in the water like up to our calves or whatever just to cool off a little bit," said Ariel Vaile of Camden.
"I was worried when they said it was opened. I was saying, 'Is it safe? Is it not safe?' " said Debra Argese of Syracuse.
Village officials say it could be another day or two before the swimming area can reopen. The beach is not closed, only the roped-off swimming area. Village officials say they can not stop swimmers from entering the lake.
The beach at Verona Beach State Park was also closed Thursday due to blue-green algae blooms present in the water.