Toxic blue-green algae has shut down swimming at Sandy Bottom Beach on Honeoye Lake.
Ontario County Health Director Mary Beer says the conditions may change as wind and weather dictate, but until further notice the beach will stay closed until the New York State Department of Health clears it for swimming.
Blue-green algae naturally occurs in fresh water at low levels, but prolonged hot weather and shallow water causes it to massively reproduce, causing algae blooms. Some kinds produce a toxin that causes eye, skin and throat irritation — and in extreme cases, liver and nervous system damage to people and pets.