Bay Shore Beach Closed Due to Excessive Bacteria Levels

Two Suffolk County beaches were closed to bathing on Tuesday due to excessive levels of bacteria, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health.

In Bay Shore, Benjamin Beach was shut down. In addition, Shirley Beach was also shut down.

Four additional beaches remain closed due to unacceptable levels of bacteria:

• Tanner Park Beach in Copiague
• Copiague Harbor Property Owners’ Association Beach
• Lake Ronkonkoma Beach in Islip
• Peconic Dunes County Park (Lake) in Southold

According to Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Dr. James Tomarken, bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach Hotline at 631-852-5822, contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 during normal business hours, or visit the Beach Monitoring page on the Suffolk County website.