Exciting Summer Ahead: Discover Dozens of Putnam Camps Now Open with Health Department Approval!

CARMEL – The 2024-25 school year has wrapped up, and hundreds of kids in Putnam County are enjoying summer camp. Thanks to the hard work of the Putnam County Health Department, safety inspections helped ensure campers have a great time.

Months before camp began, the health department started preparing. Marianne Burdick, an associate public health sanitarian, emphasized how vital the teamwork with summer camps is. “Our goal is to keep every camper safe,” she said. They kick-started their preparations in February, reviewing safety plans and sending out camp permit applications. In spring, they held a seminar to guide camp operators as new state guidance came in.

Inspections are thorough, especially for overnight camps. Camps feature a variety of activities, like high ropes courses and archery, all needing careful checks to minimize injuries. Indoor facilities—like kitchens and sleeping areas—must also meet safety standards, including having smoke alarms.

Beaches and pools receive regular inspections during the summer, including pre-opening checks and two in-season evaluations.

Brian Stevens, another public health sanitarian, highlighted issues like harmful algal blooms (HABs) that can shut down public beaches. The health department oversees over 30 bathing beaches and more than 40 pools. Before a beach opens, they must inspect the water quality and conduct ongoing testing throughout the season. If they find harmful algae or high bacteria levels, clearance sampling is done before reopening for swimming.

Health Director Rian Rodriguez offered tips on recognizing and staying safe from harmful algal blooms. Conditions that lead to HABs include warm water temperatures, sunlight, and excess nutrients. As climate change warms New York’s waters, the risk of more algae blooms may increase. These blooms can appear as floating scum or thick patches on the water, making it hard to differentiate between toxic and non-toxic algae.

Rodriguez also warned about swimming-related illnesses, which can stem from germs in both pools and lakes. Diarrhea is the most common symptom but may also include skin rashes or ear pain. To stay healthy, he advises avoiding swallowing pool or lake water, drying ears after swimming, and refraining from swimming if feeling unwell.

With the right preparations and safety measures in place, summer can be a fun and safe time for all campers in Putnam County. For more information, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for insights on water safety and algae blooms.

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