63 Suffolk Beaches Hit With Advisory Against Swimming

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — An advisory against swimming at 63 beaches in Suffolk County was issued because of the heavy rainfall on Tuesday, Dr. Gregson Pigott, commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, announced.

The closures are based on the potential that bacterial numbers in the water have increased over New York state standards.

See if your beach is on the list.

The beaches covered by the advisory are in areas that are heavily influenced by stormwater runoff from the surrounding watersheds and/or adjacent tributaries, and, because of their location in an enclosed embayment, experience limited tidal flushing, according to the county.

The Suffolk Department of Health Services 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 is set to be lifted Thursday at 7 a.m. unless sampling reveals elevated levels of bacteria persisting beyond the 24-hour period.