Swimming in the Homosassa Springs has become a thing of the past for some visitors.

One woman visiting the area said she used to swim in the springs when she was little and the water was crystal clear. However, that's not the case anymore.

Lyngbya growth found at the bottom of the water has become harmful to the springs as well as any visitors who want to swim.

Local Rotary Club member Tom Feeney knows that the more Lyngbya builds up the worse conditions could get at the springs.

"It chokes springs, it kills the good plant that you want there," said volunteer Tom Feeney. "Lyngbya is also very bad for you, it’s a toxic plant. You can get skin rashes eye irritation and sick if you swallowed it."

Rotary Club of Homosassa Springs invited more than 50 volunteers to grab a rake and dig the Lyngbya out. In just a couple of hours, volunteers were able to dig up 8,000 pounds.

“It can’t be the end, you can’t just do it once and then stop," said Feeney. "We were about six feet off shore and the dead Lyngbya was up to our knees.”

Volunteers plan to come out to the springs at least once a month over the summer. They’re hoping their efforts could put a sustainable dent in the Lyngbya growth.

Lyngbya is not considered a plant, bacteria, fungus, or even true algae.