(WJET/WFXP)– The send-off weekend to summer 2025 is here, and before making your way to the shores of Lake Erie, it might be a good idea to check in with swimming advisories issued by the Erie County Department of Health for algal blooms.
Across Erie County, 15 swimming advisories for harmful algal blooms (HABs) that exceed the safety threshold for dogs have been issued, most of which are at Presque Isle State Park.
What Presque Isle beaches will be open during Labor Day weekend?
Some of the most notable locations with advisories include Beach 1 and Beach 2 on Presque Isle, along with Shades Beach in Harborcreek and the Smith and Eaton Reservoirs in North East.
According to the DOH, a dog’s threshold to tolerate HABs is much lower than for humans, as they tend to ingest more water when they swim, lick themselves when wet, and have a tendency to eat algal mats.
Remote Area Medical pop-up clinic will make a return to Erie
Because of this, dogs are more susceptible to receiving a higher dose of toxins than people. This is also why it is recommended to wash your dog off as soon as possible after exiting the water…