BURLINGTON, Vt. -
You'll want to be careful if you plan on cooling off in Lake Champlain this Independence Day.
The Vermont Health Department says warm temperatures and light winds are perfect conditions for the formation of hazardous blue-green algae blooms.
Blooms have been spotted in areas including the Burlington Waterfront, Shelburne Bay, Red Rocks Point and Missisquoi Bay.
Health officials say you should avoid contact with the water in those areas.
"Not good to touch it," said Bridget Butler of ECHO Lake Aquarium. "It does have toxins and depending on your skin sensitivity it can cause you to itch. If you swallow it, it can make you sick. Little kids are more susceptible because they swallow more water, and of course, our pets."
Click here for updates on blue-green algae from the Vt. Health Department.
