Home / Environment / NY Beach Closed: Algal Bloom Shuts Down Swimming
NY Beach Closed: Algal Bloom Shuts Down Swimming
29 Jun
Summary
- One state park beach in western NY is closed due to harmful algae.
- Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua is affected.
- Closures occur when public health or safety is at risk.
A single swimming beach within a New York state park is currently closed as of June 29, 2026, due to the presence of harmful algal bloom. The affected location is Long Point State Park, situated on Lake Chautauqua in Chautauqua County. This closure highlights the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation's diligence in monitoring water quality across its 67 state-owned beaches.
State parks implement beach closures when there is a recognized risk to public health or safety. Elevated bacteria levels, a common trigger, can result from various factors including stormwater runoff or natural soil bacteria. Decisions are based on monitoring results, water conditions, and historical data.
Freshwater beaches are tested for E. coli, with a standard of 235 colonies per 100 ml. Ocean beaches are tested for enterococcus. Beaches are categorized as either open with an advisory (Category 1) or automatically closed until safe (Category 2). This particular closure falls under Category 2.
