4 Suffolk Beaches Closed To Bathing Over High Bacteria

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Four beaches in Patch coverage areas are closed to bathing after testing found bacteria levels exceeding acceptable standards, Suffolk County health officials said Monday.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services said the affected beaches are:

• Short Beach in Smithtown
• Huntington Beach Community Association in Centerport
• Valley Grove Beach in Eaton's Neck
• Tanner Park Beach in Copiague

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Short Beach was newly listed in the county's Aug. 31 advisory. The Centerport, Eaton's Neck and Copiague beaches remain closed from previous advisories.

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said swimming in bacteria-contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat.

The beaches will reopen when additional testing shows bacteria levels have fallen to acceptable levels, county officials said.

Health officials also urged people with open wounds, new tattoos or recent surgeries to avoid contact with saltwater or mixtures of fresh and saltwater, including coastal bays, inlets and river mouths.

For the latest information on beach closures, residents can call Suffolk County's Bathing Beach Hotline at 631-852-5822 or the Department of Health Services Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 during business hours.