Is it safe to swim?

SANDUSKY — If this year's harmful algal bloom washes toxic blue-green goo onto the shores of local beaches, then authorities will put up signs, warning swimmers and pet owners. The Erie County Health Department intends to post warning signs at popular local beaches, while state officials emphasized they'll take similar measures at state-owned beaches. This year's harmful algal bloom is expected to be relatively small, according to a forecast issued by scientists on June 30 in a virtual meeting from Stone Laboratory. There have been few signs of a bloom so far, according to an update issued Thursday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "Cyanobacteria is not currently detectable by satellite in western Lake Erie," the NOAA wrote, referring to the plantlike bacteria that produce these blooms. "There are only traces of cyanobacteria present in western Lake Erie. Some cyanobacteria have been detected in parts of Sandusky Bay in late June although not visible so far in July. This is unrelated to western Lake Erie blooms," the NOAA said. Still a bloom of some sort is expected, and depending on which way the winds blow, it could show up on local beaches. The cyanobacteria can produce toxins, so health officials urge swimmers to stay out of the water when the blue-green bloom can be seen and to also keep dogs out of the water. "Side effects of contact with or swallowing toxin-contaminated water vary but may include skin rash, nausea, gastrointestinal distress, disorientation, numbness, fatigue, and death in extreme cases," according to a news release issued by the state health department and two other state agencies. "These symptoms can occur more quickly and severely in children, elderly, the immune-compromised and animals, including dogs." Craig Ward, director of environmental health at the Erie County Health Department, said his agency put signs up at popular local beaches, warning about the dangers of harmful algal blooms. The health department has its own laboratory for testing water samples from county beaches. And if results show algal blooms are presenting a danger, additional signs will go up, advising swimmers that it's not a good idea to go in, Ward said. The health department would not be issuing orders in that situation but would be providing information, he said. Meanwhile, the Ohio EPA, the state health department and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources issued a joint announcement that, when algal blooms are dangerous, signs will be posted at state-owned beaches and at boat ramps. People hitting the beach also are urged to pay attention to the bacteria count. It's highly recommended they head for beaches that have clean water. The Erie County Health Department posts its results from bacteria testing at its website, eriecohealthohio.com. Click the "Environmental Public Health" section of the website to access the latest beach testing results. Also, people can use a search engine to access the Ohio Beach Guard website, where advisories are posted on which beaches should be avoided by swimmers.