Suffolk Health Officials Close 2 Beaches In Brookhaven Town Over Bacteria Levels

ROCKY POINT, NY — The Suffolk County Department of Health Services closed to bathing two beaches in the Town of Brookhaven over the weekend after findings of bacterial levels exceeding acceptable criteria, officials said.

The beaches include Tides Beach in Rocky Point and Old Field Club Beach in Setauket.

Tides Beach was closed Aug. 21, making the weekend's closure the third time this summer that the beach has been closed after heavy rainfall.

The three other closed beaches include Knollwood Beach in Huntington, Huntington Beach Community Association in Centerport, and Valley Grove Beach in Eaton’s Neck.

Four other beaches, including Venetian Shores Beach in Lindenhurst, Tanner Park Beach in Copiague, Benjamin’s Beach in Bay Shore, and Sayville Marina Park Beach in Sayville, remain closed.

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

The department's commissioner, Dr. Gregson Pigott,
advises that bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections
of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach hotline at 631-852-5822, or contact the SCDHS Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 during business hours.

Health Services is urging people with open wounds, new tattoos, or recent surgeries to avoid contact with saltwater or mixtures of fresh and saltwater (such as coastal bays, inlets, and river mouths).

For more information, click here.