Island Park, East Rockaway Beaches Closed For Swimming

Heavy rainfall has caused bacteria levels in the water at two Nassau beaches to reach unsafe levels, the county Department of Health says.

The Hewlett Point Beach in East Rockaway and the Masone Beach in Island Park are both closed to swimming today.

The closure is a precaution for beaches that are known to have increased bacteria levels in water after heavy rainfall. Storm water runoff can impact bathing water quality by elevating bacteria levels, which may cause the water to become unhealthy.

The closure is scheduled to be lifted at 8 a.m. Thursday, unless more heavy rain impacts the water quality.

Photo: Patch