UPDATE, August 27, 2024, 10:00 a.m.: The Walworth County Health and Human Services Department is slowly reopening beaches while continuing to monitor the spread of blue-green algae in Geneva Lake.
According to their Facebook post, Williams Bay and Fontana beaches have now reopened, but beachgoers are still warned to be aware of water conditions.
Riviera Beach, Big Foot Beach and Town of Linn beaches in the City of Lake Geneva remain closed due to blue-green algae blooms spreading across Lake Geneva. It is still recommended to avoid swimming in particular to prevent inhaling or ingesting the toxic water.
Pet owners are also reminded to keep their animals away from water and prevent them from licking algae from their fur.
For a list of symptoms of blue-green algae-related illnesses, visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/algae/healthconcerns.htm.
LAKE GENEVA, Wis. – The Walworth County Health and Human Services Department has closed all municipal beaches in Lake Geneva as a precautionary measure.
The reason for this is the ongoing spread of blue-green algae blooms, which are considered harmful. These blooms can change rapidly in their intensity and location due to sea conditions.
The Walworth County Health Department is working with the Geneva Lake Environmental Agency and the Wisconsin DNR to further assess the potential dangers and recommends avoiding swimming, which is considered a high-risk activity because the water can be inhaled or swallowed. “Boating or kayaking poses fewer risks. Get a scan before swimming,” the health department says.
According to the Geneva Lake Environmental Agency, you should be alert for symptoms associated with exposure to blue-green algae, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, muscle weakness and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact your doctor or the Wisconsin Poison Center at 800-222-1222.
To report a case of possible health effects from blue-green algae, visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/algae/index.htm or contact the Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health at 608-266-1120.
