Six Beaches Closed to Bathing

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is advising that six beaches are closed to bathing due to findings of bacterial levels exceeding acceptable criteria.

• Short Beach in Smithtown
• Old Field Club in Setauket

• Huntington Beach Community Association in Centerport remains closed.
• Valley Grove Beach in Eaton's Neck remains closed.
• Tides Beach in Rocky Point remains closed.
• Tanner Park Beach in Copiague remains closed.

According to Suffolk County Department of Health Services Commissioner 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 beaches will reopen when further testing reveals that the bacteria have subsided to acceptable levels.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach hotline at 631-852-5822 or contact the SCDHS Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 during business hours.

As always, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services would like to urge individuals with open wounds, new tattoos or recent surgeries to avoid contact with saltwater or mixtures of fresh and saltwater (such as coastal bays, inlets, and river mouths).

Program information -

http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/EnvironmentalQuality/Ecology/BeachMonitoringProgram.aspx