UPDATE: Six Suffolk Beaches Closed To Bathing

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY - The beach advisory issued for 35 beaches in Suffolk County on Wednesday, following heavy rainfall, has been lifted, according to the Department of Health.

In addition, the beach closure issued for Amityville Village Beach, Bayport Beach and Sound Beach Property Owners Association West Beach has been lifted as results of recently collected samples meet water quality criteria.

However, Amityville Village Beach in the Town of Babylon, West Islip, East Islip, and Bayport Beach in the Town of Islip, Orient State Park Beach in the Town of Southold, and Nissequogue Point Beach in the Town of Smithtown are closed to bathing due to the finding of bacteria at levels that exceed acceptable criteria.

Tanner Park Beach, Venetian Shores Beach, Cory Beach, Shirley Beach, Benjamins Beach, West Oaks Recreation Club Beach, Sayville Marina Park Beach and Lake Ronkonkoma remain closed due to the continuation of excess bacteria.

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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