9 Suffolk Beaches Closed To Bathing

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY - A total of 9 Suffolk County beaches were shut down after the discovery of high levels of bacteria, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health.

Tanner Park Beach and Venetian Shores Beach in the Town of Babylon, Corey Beach in the Town of Brookhaven, and Cold Spring Harbor Beach Club Beach in the Town of Huntington are closed to bathing.

The following beaches in the Town of Islip are also closed: West Islip Beach, Benjamins Beach, Islip Beach, East Islip Beach, West Oaks Recreation Club Beach, Brightwaters Village Beach, Bayport Beach, Sayville Marina Park Beach, and Lake Ronkonkoma Islip Town Beach.

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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