JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (June 8, 2011) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District has closed the swimming beach at W. P. Franklin South Recreation Area due to unsafe river conditions.
“Dangerous levels of algal blooms makes contact with the river unadvisable until conditions change,” says Joel Brumm, Jacksonville District’s chief of the Natural Resource Management Section.
According to the Lee County Department of Health, a toxin produced by Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, that can cause harm to fish, animals and people when swallowed has shown up in tests, said Chuck Walther, director of Environmental Engineering. Until the bloom disappears, the health department recommends the public avoid contact with the water.
“I anticipate the closure will last a week,” said Brumm, “and we will reopen when Lee County removes its warning.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the leading provider of recreation on federally-managed lands in the United States and of the founding members of the National Water Safety Congress, is committed to promoting safe water practices.
The Corps wants you to be safe and remember to check your safety equipment before water activities and always wear your life jacket.
Release no. 11-34