Popular Lake George Beach Remains Closed Due To Bacteria

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (AP) — People hoping to take a dip in the southern end of Lake George from a popular state-run beach will have to head to other local swimming spots for the time being.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation says  will remain closed until the agency can fully assess all potential sources of bacterial contamination that has shut down the beach twice within the past week.

The beach on the lake's southern end was closed by the DEC because of high levels of coliform bacteria. The agency says additional tests show those levels have decreased, but the beach will remain closed while more extensive sampling is conducted.

Two smaller public beaches located nearby remain open for swimming.

Local officials say a large colony of seagulls is to blame for the coliform issues.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]