RIDEM recommends avoiding swim spots across the state for algae blooms

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced that people should avoid three bodies of water after algae blooms were reported.

According to the department, Boone Lake in Exeter, Thurston Gray Pond in Portsmouth and Little Beach in Slack Reservoir in Smithfield and Johnston are areas that should be avoided until further notice.

Officials said blooms of blue-green algae were found in the named areas and can produce toxins that are harmful to people and animals.

The department is urging people to not swim, fish, boat or kayak on the water. People should also not ingest the water or eat fish caught from any of the named locations.

Symptoms of coming into contact with blue-green algae can include irritation to skin, eyes, nose and throat. When ingested, the bacteria can cause stomach aches, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Rarer symptoms can include dizziness, headache, fever and liver damage.

Anyone experiencing those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

For more information on spotting blue-green algae, keeping yourself and your pets safe and for when locations will reopen, visit the RIDEM blue-green algae webpage.