Suffolk County Issues Advisory against Bathing at 22 Suffolk County Beaches Due to Heavy Rainfall

Due to recent heavy rainfall, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has issued an advisory against bathing at 22 beaches. The advisory is based on the potential that the presence of bacteria at levels that exceed New York State standards will impact these areas.

The beaches covered by the advisory are located in areas that are heavily influenced by stormwater runoff from the surrounding watersheds and adjacent tributaries, and because of their location in enclosed embayments, experience limited tidal flushing. 

Health officials recommend 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 rain is forecasted to end Wednesday morning, therefore this advisory will be lifted Saturday, August 24 at 9 a.m., unless sampling conducted by the department reveals elevated levels of bacteria persisting beyond the 24-hour period.

Tanner Park Beach in Copiague, Venetian Shores Beach in West Babylon, Corey Beach in Blue Point, Benjamins Beach in Bay Shore, Islip Beach, West Islip Beach, Sayville Marina Park Beach, and Bayport Beach are closed and will remain closed until further testing reveals that the bacteria have subsided to acceptable levels.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822, contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours, or visit Suffolk County Department of Health Services beach monitoring webpage.

List of Beaches Under 8/23/19 Rain Advisory

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