The Swimmer's Itch Task Force: Mission

The Swimmer's Itch Task Force has been established to address the problem of Swimmer's Itch in the northern lakes of the USA.
We are starting with Crystal Lake, located in Frankfort, Michigan. This group consists of representatives from the Crystal Lake and Watershed Association, CSA, Crystal Lake Yacht Club, Chimney Corners, Crystal Beach Cottagers Association, Crystal Conference Center, the towns of Frankfort and Beulah, Mi, and Burlington, VT. The Task Force is taking the following steps to combat Swimmer's Itch:

1. Raking the bottom of all major swimming areas to disturb snail habitat (one host of SI) and evaluation procedure starting June 2010.

2. Posting signs at all major beaches providing information regarding prevention and treatment early 2011.

3. Obtained participation of local drug stores in stocking products that may prevent and/or provide relief from SI as of June 2010.

4. Providing informational and educational materials for residents.

5. Evaluating the effectiveness of bird repellents from swimming areas.

6. Contacting other lake associations to explore options regarding the entrapment, inoculation and relocation of selected waterfowl.

7. Joining other lake associations to help communicate with the Department of Natural Resources.

8. Ongoing research and testing for SI including preventative products.

9. Encourage normal hunting of common Mergansers during hunting season (one of the hosts of SI).