McDONOUGH – There are no plans to close the beach at Bowman Lake State Park despite posted algae warnings, according to Park Manager Joe Morisette.

“We are open this year,” Morisette said, who confirmed Tuesday that the lake is once more being affected by blue-green algae. A bloom of the same type of algae prompted park officials to close the beach early last summer.

Visitors are being encouraged to exercise caution, however. According to Morisette, signs have been posted around the park’s 35-acre lake, cautioning visitors to avoid direct contact with the algae, not to drink the water and to keep a close eye on pets and small children. Any activity which could lead to the accidental swallowing of water is also discouraged.

Because the presence of the algae affects water clarity, and therefore inhibit a life guard’s ability to see swimmers in the water, it could lead to swimming restrictions. For the time being, beach hours remain unchanged, with lifeguards on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends only until the end of June, then daily until Labor Day.