2 South Shore Beaches Closed To Bathing

WEST ISLIP & BAY SHORE, NY —Two South Shore beaches have been closed to bathing due to findings of bacteria at excess levels, Suffolk County Department of Health Services announced on Friday.

West Islip Beach in West Islip and Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore are closed until further notice, the department said, as bacteria in the water go beyond "acceptable criteria."

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, Department of Health Services said.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach hot line at 852-5822 or contact the department's office of ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours.