Bacteria Scare Closes 3 Long Island Beaches: SC Health Dept.

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Three beaches on in Suffolk County have been closed for swimming after heavy rains, the Suffolk County Health Department announced on Monday.

Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore and Steers Beach Asharoken beaches in Northport are closed to bathing due until further notice.

Because the beaches are located in parts of Long Island heavily impacted by stormwater runoff, the health department closed the beaches from swimming due to potentially high levels of bacteria in the water, officials said.

Health officials recommend suspending bathing and contact with water in affected areas until the waters have been flushed by two successive tidal cycles in at least a 24-hour period after the rain has ended.

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

According to Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gregson Pigott, bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat.

Officials said anyone interested in the latest information on affected beaches may call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 631-852-5822 or visit suffolkcountyny.gov/health and search “Beach Monitoring Program."