Health Officials Close Two Long Island Beaches Due To High Bacteria Levels

Six more beaches are closed to swimming in Suffolk County due to excess bacteria levels, according to health officials.

Islip Beach is one of eight beaches closed to swimmers due to excess bacteria in Suffolk County.
Photo Credit: *Google Maps*

08/23/2019 9:37 a.m.

West Islip Beach and Tanner Park Beach in Copiague had already been closed, Suffolk County announced on Wednesday, Aug. 21.

The additional closings appear on an interactive map Friday, Aug. 23 and include Islip Beach, Corey Creek Beach in Brookhaven, Bayport Beach, Bayberry Beach & Tennis Club in Islip, Benjamins Beach in Bay Shore and Venetians Shores Beach in West Babylon.

All eight beaches are closed to bathing due to the fining of bacteria at levels in excess of acceptable criteria.

Health officials will reopen the beaches for swimming when further testing reveals that the bacteria have subsided to acceptable levels.

According to Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Dr. James Tomarken, bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822 or contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours.

Click here for frequently asked questions about the Suffolk County’s Beach Monitoring Program.

Click here to view an interactive map of beach closures and advisories.

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