Area Beaches Open for Swimming

Since the season started, lifeguards say the beaches have been closed more days than they have been open. The good news is that all area beaches were open for swimming Saturday, and despite the wet weather in the morning, beach-goers took advantage of the rare opportunity.

"We do have to call in the morning to check if it's closed or not, and there is some disappointment in our house when it is closed," said Tara Simms of Irondequoit.

It was a good day for the Simms family. Swimming was open at Ontario Beach Park after being closed Friday. It's a problem that is not only frustrating for families who use the lake to cool off but also lifeguards.

"This season, we have had high bacteria counts which have kept the water closed, we had a lot of algae wash ashore early on, more than we had seen at least last year," said James Meier, Captain of the Lifeguards.

The high bacteria levels in water can be dangerous for swimmers and make them sick. Meier says the problem hasn't stopped people from showing up.

"We have actually had some pretty good sized crowds considering that we have been closed a lot, during the week especially, we still have folks coming down enjoying the park and trying to enjoy the sand," said Meier.

Since swimming is open less this year, Meier says everyone should take advantage when the water is safe for swimming.

"Come on down and enjoy being here. It's a great beach and when the water is open, it's a wonderful afternoon," said Meier.

"My husband loves coming to the beach, and we have a 3-year-old, so we would be down here every weekend," said Simms.