WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — There is a health alert for a blue-green algae bloom in parts of Palm Beach County.
The areas of concern are
The Florida Department of Health is advising people not to drink, swim, wade, or use personal watercraft in those areas where there is a visible bloom. Keep pets away from those areas as well. And, wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae.
"It didn’t slow anybody down. The kids on the boats, they’re still here," explained Lake Clarke Shores resident Stu Sirott. His wife Donna Sirott added, "they’re falling off, they’re in the water. You worry about them."
See also: Resident concerned blue-green algae problem is getting worse
The health department says blue-green algae is common in Florida's freshwater environments.
Health alert signs are posted at Spillway Park, Lake Worth Beach after samples collected last Wednesday, June 2, came back with levels measure 16 ppb, parts per billion, of microcystins, or blue-green-algae. That is double the level that's considered harmful to people and pets.
Call the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to report a bloom at 855-305-3903 or report it online, where you can also see a map of blooms across Florida.