Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - As summer temperatures continue to rise, many people in Western New York are heading to the beach to swim and cool off. But reports have shown that in 2024 all beaches in the Buffalo-area were potentially unsafe for swimming for at least one day.
Woodlawn Beach State Park was deemed unsafe for swimming on 37 days in 2024, which was the highest across New York State. WBEN asked beachgoers about the data. Those at Woodlawn Beach had a mixed reaction on if they would still swim in the water.
"I don't, but if they do have it they post it and I don't go in the water, just plain as that," says Sue from South Buffalo.
Tara Andres from Orchard Park doesn't have any concerns.
"Not necessarily. Sometimes when news stations report it or we see articles online then I get a little nervous, but once they say it's okay, then I feel okay."
While some people aren't concerned about the water, Bella Sherman from Lockport worries about the potential harmful effects on the health of her little sister.
"I definitely worry about it as soon as I came, my first thing was there's probably so much crap in the water," Sherman said. "So I was definitely a bit worried about it, but I think as long as we clean her well everything should be okay."
Sherman mentioned that she considered driving to Pennsylvania to swim in a safer body of water.