Southold Beach Closed To Bathing Due To Bacteria Levels

SOUTHOLD, NY — Veterans Memorial Park Beach, located in Mattituck in Southold Town, was closed to bathing Wednesday due to the finding of bacteria at levels in excess of acceptable criteria, health officials said.

According to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, other beaches closed across Long Island include Gold Star Battalion Park Beach in Huntington, Centerport Yacht Club Beach in Centerport, and Valley Grove Beach in Eatons Neck. Benjamins Beach in Bay Shore, Sayville Marina Park Beach in Sayville, and Lake Ronkonkoma-Islip Town Beach, all in the Town of Islip, which closed yesterday, remain closed.

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

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.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the bathing beach hot line at 631-852-5822, contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 during normal business hours or click here.