No Swimming Advisory Issued For 51 Suffolk Beaches

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services issued an advisory Thursday against swimming at 51 beaches across the county due to recent heavy rainfall.

The advisory is based on the potential that the presence of bacteria at levels that exceed New York State standards will impact these areas, health officials said.

The beaches covered by the advisory are located 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.

The department 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 cessation of rainfall. The advisory will be lifted on Saturday at 5 p.m., unless sampling conducted by the department finds elevated bacterial numbers persisting beyond the 24-hour period.

Unless heavy rains persist beyond today or sampling done by the department finds elevated bacterial numbers persisting beyond the 24-hour period, this advisory will be lifted Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore and Lake Ronkonkoma Beach will remain closed until further notice.

Find a list of the affected beaches here and an interactive map with more details on each beach here.

Google Maps image of Crab Meadow Beach