LIVINGSTON COUNTY — A warning about algae blooms on Conesus Lake is putting a damper on the July 4th weekend for some people in Livingston County.

Exposure to algae blooms can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, irritation of the skin, eyes or throat, allergic reactions and difficulty breathing. News10NBC’s Tom Kowalski traveled to the Finger Lakes to speak with concerned lake-goers.

Some people at the lake said they are not worried about the algae. “You only live once. So go out. It doesn’t matter if there’s algae,” Paige McKerrow said.

“Stay away from the blue algae because it’s not good for you. You can get infections and bad stuff,” Jaegger Myers said.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation advises against swimming, boating or fishing near suspected algae blooms, especially for pets and children.

Some people are taking precautions at the lake. “Definitely keep as far away from it as we possibly can. Try not to get the water in your mouth. Try to keep that away from any harmful body parts,” Kaelin Chapman said.

Others are avoiding the lake altogether.

“I went in one year and I was like, I don’t really like the way I felt, and it just doesn’t really look that sanitary to me personally,” said Peter Maruffi, who’s visiting the lake from Rochester.

“Just by looking at the water, I won’t get in it. I mean, I do have a kid out there, unfortunately,” said Genevieve Maruffi. “And I do have to say, usually when we come here the next day doesn’t feel well, but I won’t get in the water myself. We’ll go home and shower.

If you are worried about exposure to algae blooms, rinse off thoroughly and report it to your local health department.

You can find where to report potential algae blooms here.

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