Long Island health officials issue advisory against swimming at 76 beaches due to rainfall

Nassau and Suffolk county health officials have issued advisories against bathing at 76 beaches on Long Island due to concerns related to recent heavy rainfall.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services issued its advisory Wednesday morning for 61 beaches based on the potential that the levels of bacteria in these waters exceed New York State standards. Nassau issued similar warnings for 15 of the beaches located in its county.

The beaches covered by the advisory are in areas that are heavily influenced by stormwater runoff from the surrounding watersheds or adjacent tributaries. Because of their location in an enclosed embayment, they experience limited tidal flushing.

Health officials recommend that bathing and other water contact be suspended in the affected areas until the waters have been flushed by two successive tidal cycles — at least a 24-hour period — after the rain has ended.

Suffolk said its advisory will be lifted Thursday at 6 a.m. unless sampling reveals elevated levels of bacteria persisting beyond the 24-hour period. It cautioned that the advisory may be extended since more rain is possible Wednesday afternoon.

On its website, Nassau County states that most advisories are lifted after 24 hours if no additional rainfall occurs. For up-to-date recorded information on beach openings and closings in Nassau, call 516-227-9700. For the latest on Suffolk beaches, call 631-852-5822.

In addition, Tanner Park Beach in Copiague, Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore, Island Park Beach in Island Park, Hewlett Point Beach in East Rockaway and Biltmore Beach Club in Massapequa are closed to bathing due to elevated bacterial levels. These beaches will remain closed until testing indicates that samples are within acceptable limits.

Here is a list of the affected beaches on Long Island.