Bacteria Scare Closes 3 Babylon Beaches: Health Dept.

BABYLON, NY — Three beaches in the Town of Babylon are among 62 closed for swimming on Long Island, the Suffolk County Health Department announced on Tuesday.

Amityville Village Beach in Amityville, Tanner Park in Copiague and Venetian Shores Beach in West Babylon are 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.

Health officials recommend that bathing and other water contact be suspended in affected areas until the waters have been flushed by two successive tidal cycle—at least a 24-hour period—after the rain has ended. The beaches will reopen on Wednesday, unless sampling reveals elevated levels of bacteria persisting beyond the 24-hour period.

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.