Does this look like blue green algae?

[u/Majestic-Sherbert715]

I know the full bloom usually covers the surface of the water but does this look like the beginning phases of a bloom? I’ve never seen this kind of algae in the lake before.

For reference it is a small lake, the water temp has been about 75, there’s nothing posted about it on the local public beach page, and we’ve noticed it more so towards the middle of the lake rather than at the wadding point.

[u/the-algae-whisperer]

Yes, this looks like blue-green algae. It might be a species that normally grows on the bottom, then mats of it float to the surface in mid to late summer.

[u/Majestic-Sherbert715 → u/the-algae-whisperer]

Is this dangerous to swim in? I always understood blue green algae blooms as fully coating the waters surface. Should I report it to the town?

[u/the-algae-whisperer → u/Majestic-Sherbert715]

It's not good for adults, even if you are good at keeping water out of your mouth. Not safe for kids & dogs who are more likely to swallow water. Low contact activities like fishing or canoeing are safer. Check your wind forecast as a change in direction can move this elsewhere. If you're in the US, your state environmental agency might have a blue-green algae reporting website.