Excess Bacteria Levels Close Bay Shore Beach: Health Dept.

BAY SHORE, NY — Officials have closed a beach in the Town of Islip for bathing, the Suffolk County Health Department announced on Thursday.

Benjamin’s Memorial Beach in Bay Shore is closed to bathing due to the finding of bacteria at levels above 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 beach 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.