After rain, Suffolk County issues advisory against swimming at 63 beaches

Friday’s thunderstorms and heavy rainfalls have led to the Suffolk County health department issuing an advisory against swimming at 63 beaches along the South and North shores.

The advisory is based on the potential that bacteria in excess of New York State standards — resulting from the heavy rain and related runoff of pollutants — will impact these areas.

The department recommends that bathing and other water contact be suspended in affected areas until the waters have been flushed by two successive tidal cycles (at least a 24 hour period) after the rain has ended.

The advisory will be lifted Sunday, Aug. 20, at 5 a.m., unless water samples indicate that elevated levels of bacteria have persisted beyond the 24-hour period, according to health officials.

Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore remains closed as recent testing, before Friday’s storms, conducted by the health department revealed levels of bacteria in excess of state standards.

Affected South Shore beaches in the greaterlongisland.com include:

Venetian Shores Beach in West Babylon
Corey Beach in Blue Point
Bayport Beach in Bayport
West Islip Beach in West Islip
Islip Beach in Islip
East Islip Beach in East Islip
Brightwaters Village Beach in Brighwaters
Bayberry Beach & Tennis Club Beach in Islip

For the latest information on affected beaches and  for reopenings, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 631-852-5822 or contact the Department’s Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 during normal business hours. 

Click here to learn more about the beach monitoring program.