Latest news with #FloridaTogether
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
DOH-Bay shares water safety tips for National Water Safety Month
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Florida Department of Health in Bay County is sharing tips and raising awareness on drowning prevention as May is National Water Safety Month. According to a news release, children ages 1 to 4 years old are more likely to drown in a home swimming pool than children ages 5 to 19 years old, who are more likely to drown in natural bodies of water. The DOH-Bay said that learning and following water safety rules is vital to help keep everyone safe and let those who enjoy water recreation without the danger of drowning, as everyone plays a role in drowning prevention. DOH-Bay Water Safety Tips: – Always keep your eyes on children in and around water, including pools and open bodiesof water. Actively supervising and giving children your undivided attention when they arein or around water can help prevent drownings. – Never leave a child alone around water. – If your child is missing, check other pools or surrounding bodies of water. – Use barriers around water, including fences, self-closing/self-latching gates, and securedoors with alarms. Barriers help prevent young children from wandering into bodies ofwater, including lakes, pools, ponds, and more. – Have a phone nearby in case you need to call 911 in an emergency. – Open cuts or wounds should not be immersed in water; if there's bacteria in the water, itcan enter the body through a cut or wound. – If a cut or wound happens when in the water, it should be washed with clean, runningwater and soap and covered with a clean, dry, waterproof bandage DOH Beach and Lake Swimming Tips: – Swim It: Always swim with a buddy, and when safety flags and signs give it the all-clearto do so. – Shore It: If you have a weakened immune system, a cut on your skin, or don't have abuddy to swim with, stay on dry land. – Dodge It: If you encounter animals that live near or in the water, stay away. Also, do notdrink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts, or come into contact with waters wherethere are visible algal blooms like red tide and blue-green algae. For current informationon red tide or blue-green algae, please visit Protecting Florida Together or the FloridaDepartment of Environmental Protection's Algal Bloom Dashboard. For more information, contact DOH-Bay at 850-481-4806. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Blue-green algae alert issued for Orange County lakes by Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Killarney (Killarney Drive) on May 12, 2025, and Lake Butler (W. Shore) on May 7, 2025. With water sample testing underway, blue-green algae has the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution, even if the presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed. Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: • Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom. • Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you come into contact with algae, discolored water, or water that smells unpleasant. • Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are not safe for animals, so pets and livestock should use an alternative water source when algae blooms are present. • Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins. • Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly. • Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms What is Blue-Green Algae? Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida's freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when the rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors. Blue-green algae blooms can also appear as scum, foam, or paint on the surface of the water in various colors. To learn more about the appearance of algae blooms, visit Protecting Florida Together. Is Blue-Green Algae Harmful? Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and pets as well as ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals. Sensitive individuals (e.g., children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised) may still be at risk even at low concentrations and should avoid any exposure. If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, please call DOH-Orange at 407-723-5004. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Blue-green algae alert issued for Lake George and Lorraine by Volusia County Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in the center of Lake George and the west shore of Lorraine Lake. With water sample testing underway, blue-green algae has the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution, even if the presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed. Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: • Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom. • Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you come into contact with algae, discolored water, or water that smells unpleasant. • Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are not safe for animals, so pets and livestock should use an alternative water source when algae blooms are present. • Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins. • Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly. • Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms What is Blue-Green Algae? Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida's freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when the rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors. Blue-green algae blooms can also appear as scum, foam, or paint on the surface of the water in various colors. To learn more about the appearance of algae blooms, visit Protecting Florida Together. Is Blue-Green Algae Harmful? Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and pets as well as ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals. Sensitive individuals (e.g., children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised) may still be at risk even at low concentrations and should avoid any exposure. If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, please call DOH-Volusia at 386-274-0694. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Blue-green algae alert issued for Lake Jessamine by Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Jessamine (Bywater Boat Ramp). With water sample testing underway, blue-green algae has the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution, even if the presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed. Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: • Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom. • Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you come into contact with algae, discolored water, or water that smells unpleasant. • Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are not safe for animals, so pets and livestock should use an alternative water source when algae blooms are present. • Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins. • Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly. • Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms What is Blue-Green Algae? Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida's freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when the rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors. Blue-green algae blooms can also appear as scum, foam, or paint on the surface of the water in various colors. To learn more about the appearance of algae blooms, visit Protecting Florida Together. Is Blue-Green Algae Harmful? Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and pets as well as ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals. Sensitive individuals (e.g., children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised) may still be at risk even at low concentrations and should avoid any exposure. If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, please call DOH-Orange at 407-723-5004. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Blue-green algae alert issued for Orange County lake by Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Killarney (Killarney Drive). With water sample testing underway, blue-green algae has the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution, even if the presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed. Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: • Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom. • Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you come into contact with algae, discolored water, or water that smells unpleasant. • Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are not safe for animals, so pets and livestock should use an alternative water source when algae blooms are present. • Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins. • Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly. • Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms What is Blue-Green Algae? Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida's freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when the rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors. Blue-green algae blooms can also appear as scum, foam, or paint on the surface of the water in various colors. To learn more about the appearance of algae blooms, visit Protecting Florida Together. Is Blue-Green Algae Harmful? Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and pets as well as ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals. Sensitive individuals (e.g., children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised) may still be at risk even at low concentrations and should avoid any exposure. If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, please call DOH-Orange at 407-723-5004. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
