Since 2013, both the main beach and campground beach at East Fork Lake have experienced problems with harmful algal blooms.  These blooms can produce toxins that affect the liver, nervous system or skin.  If toxin concentrations are high enough, East Fork State Park will post advisory signs at the beaches.  An orange advisory sign individuals who are elderly or very young and people with compromised immune systems that swimming or wading is not recommended.  A red advisory sign means that concentrations are high enough to impact anyone.  If you choose to swim despite the advisory, there are some important health tips you should follow:

• After swimming or wading in lake water, even where no harmful algal bloom is visible, rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible.
• Never swallow any lake or river water, whether you see a bloom or not.
• Do not let pets enter the water if there is a bloom.  If they do, rinse them very well.
• Do not let them lick algal material from their fur.
• Do not drink or cook with lake water.
• See a doctor if you or your children might be ill from algal toxins.  If your pet appears ill, contact your veterinarian.  Know the signs:
  • Humans:  numbness of lips, tingling in fingers and toes, dizziness, headache, rash or skin irritation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting.
  • Pets:  weakness, staggering, convulsions, difficulty in breathing, vomiting.

Other activities near the water such as camping, picnicking, biking and hiking are safe. If you are picnicking, wash your hands before eating if you have had contact with lake water or shore debris.  If you plan to eat the fish you catch, remove the guts and liver, and rinse fillets in tap water before eating.

For more information, visit Ohio EPA’s Harmful Algal Bloom page.