Bay Shore Beach Closed Due To High Bacteria Levels

Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore was shut down once again on Thursday due to high bacteria levels in the water, the Suffolk County Department of Health says.

The beach closed once before earlier this month for high bacteria levels.

In addition, Lake Ronkonkoma remains closed to bathing due to cyanobacteria also known as blue-green algae.

The beach will reopen once the bacteria is found to be at acceptable levels.

Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Dr. James Tomarken says bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can cause 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 or contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 during normal business hours.