TOWN OF RUSSIA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) -- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has temporarily closed down a beach to swimmers in Northern Herkimer County on Thursday.

According to a statement by the DEC on Thursday, August 21, the Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area in the town of Russia will be closed for swimming effective on Friday, August 22. The DEC is saying that the conditions for swimming are unsafe due to low water levels.

The DEC says this decision was necessary to ensure public safety, as low water levels may expose hazards, limit safe wading depth, and compromise lifeguard response.

The beach area of the Day Use Area will remain open for non-swimming activities such as picnicking and paddling while the closure is in effect. There is no set time when the ban

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