The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Oneida Shores Beach, located in the town of Cicero, will be closed for swimming due to high levels of bacteria (E.coli) in the water. Swimming will not be allowed until bacteria levels return to acceptable levels. The Health Department will be monitoring the lake water daily until bacteria levels reach acceptable standards. The public should refer to www.OnondagaCountyParks.com for reopening information.
Most varieties of E. coli are harmless or cause brief diarrhea. While only some types of bacteria will cause gastrointestinal illness, the presence of E. coli bacteria is an indicator of increased general bacterial action in the water. Anyone concerned about gastrointestinal symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
Please note that this does not affect Oneida Shores’ other amenities during normal hours of operation.
Although Jamesville Beach has not been open full time for swimming this summer, Parks had been opening the beach to swimmers when Oneida had to close. Unfortunately, due to the visual presence of an algal bloom, Jamesville Beach will not open for swimming.
Algal blooms can turn the water green and can form thick surface scums on the water. Certain types of algae can release toxins that may cause skin or eye irritation, or diarrhea and vomiting if ingested. People and animals should keep out of the water where algal blooms are present in any body of water.
The Health Department recommends taking the following precautions:
- Don’t swim, wade, boat, or fish near blooms or scums and don’t eat fish caught from waters with blooms
- Don’t drink the water
- Keep children and animals away from any blooms or scums
- Rinse with clean water if exposed
To learn more about blue-green algae visit:
- Blue-Green Algae and Health: gov/HarmfulAlgae
- Pets and Algae Blooms: ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/habspets.pdf
- NYS Department of Environmental Conservation: gov/hab
FOR FUTURE UPDATES on bacterial testing and closure status for Oneida Shores Beach, please visit: www.onondagacountyparks.com/about/water-quality-testing/ or call the Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.6600.
