Bacteria Scare Closes Town Of Islip Beach: Health Dept.

BAY SHORE, NY — A Long Island beach has been closed for swimming, the Suffolk County Health Department announced on Wednesday.

Benjamin’s Beach in Bay Shore is closed to bathing due to the finding of bacteria at levels in excess of acceptable criteria, officials said in a statement.

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.

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

Officials said anyone interested in beach updates may 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.