18 Suffolk Beaches Reopen, 8 Remain Closed Following Heavy Rain

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY - The Suffolk County Department of Health announced on Thursday that 18 beaches have reopened while 8 remain closed following the recent heavy rainfall.

The beach closure issued for the following beaches have been lifted, as results of recent samples collected show the water quality to be within acceptable levels:

• Islip Beach
• East Islip Beach
• Amityville Beach
• Venetian Shores Beach
• Corey Beach in Bayport
• Lloyd Neck Village Park Beach
• Head of the Bay Club Beach
• Nathan Hale Beach Club Beach
• Baycrest Association Beach
• Bay Hills Beach Association
• Wincona Association Beach
• West Islip Beach
• Short Beach
• Nissequogue Point Beach
• Long Beach
• Schubert Beach
• Bayport Beach
• Sayville Marina Park Beach

The following beaches remain closed:

• Tanner Park Beach
• Tides Beach
• Beech Road Beach
• Friendship Beach
• Shirley Beach
• Soundview Beach Association
• Valley Grove Beach
• Lake Ronkonkoma

The beaches are still closed due to the finding of bacteria at levels that exceed acceptable criteria.

Bacteria can be introduced to recreational waters from a variety of sources, including storm water runoff, resident waterfowl populations, failing or poorly operating septic systems, sewage spills, boats and marinas, floatable debris, and from bathers themselves.

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.

Beaches will reopen when further testing reveals that the bacteria have subsided to acceptable levels.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822 or contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours.

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