LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Warm weather is arriving, and swimming pools, lakes and streams provide enjoyment and welcome relief from the heat. At the same time, they pose some hazards.

This is a good time to review safety tips in order to enjoy the water safely and avoid recreational water illness, according to county health officials.

Swimming or wading in areas of lakes and ponds that are frequented by certain birds (such as ducks, geese, gulls), mammals (such as muskrats and raccoons) and snails can lead to an itchy allergic rash hours to days later called “swimmer’s itch.” The condition is not serious and generally goes away in a week.    

The condition can be avoided by:

• Not swimming near or wading in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.
• Drying off with a towel or showering immediately after leaving the water.
• Not attracting birds (e.g., by feeding them) to areas where people are swimming.

The appearance of cyanobacteria (“blue-green algae”) blooms in various locations around Clear Lake has been common in recent years.  

The greasy film on the water, thick mats and annoying smell tend to keep people away from the most affected areas.   

Although cyanobacteria are capable of producing toxins, it is impossible to predict when that will occur.   

Scientific studies have linked cyanotoxins to gastrointestinal upset, liver or nerve damage that can be serious, and rashes.   

Confirmed reports of such illness are infrequent worldwide and have not been associated with Clear Lake, according to the Lake County Health Services Department.

Water testing in recent years has shown Clear Lake to be safe for recreational water sports. Still, it is prudent to avoid areas where there is a visible accumulation of mats or an oily appearance on the surface of the water.   

Drinking untreated lake water is never recommended for humans or pets, even if the water is boiled, the agency said.

For those who prefer swimming pools, water should be properly treated and people with diarrhea should stay out.

Anyone with questions about water quality for swimming and recreation may call the Environmental Health office in Lakeport at 707-263-1164.

For more information on Recreational Water health issues, please visit www.cdc.gov/parasites/swimmersitch/faqs.html , www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/rwi/rwi-prevention-week/ or www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Environmental_Health/Blue-Green_Algae.htm .