County Beach Hours Extended During Heat Wave

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced Tuesday that two county beaches are extending their hours during the current heatwave.

Swimming at Smith Point County Park and Cupsogue Beach County Park will remain open an additional hour, closing at 6:30 p.m. until further notice, he said.

"Residents cannot be left high and dry in the heat wave," said Romaine. "Increasing access to these most popular county beaches is a matter of public health and sound decision-making."

Romaine also emphasized the importance of safety.

"Safety is the most important part of any day near the water," said Romaine. "Please adhere to the rules, pay attention to lifeguards and signs. Be careful."

Romaine offered the following safety tips:

• Only swim within the buoys with a lifeguard on duty.
• Be conscious of riptides and remember to swim parallel to the shore to get out current before heading back to shore.
• Swim sober.
• Never swim alone.
• Check local advisories before swimming.