Residents Advised Against Swimming at 5 Local Beaches

If you’re dreaming of a dip in the ocean to cool off after work, think again.

Suffolk County Department of Health issued a health advisory against swimming at 5 beaches in the Kings Park-Smithtown area due to heavy rainfall on Tuesday night. 

Suffolk health officials say they fear the heavy rains may cause the level of bacteria in coastal waters to rise above New York state standards for bathing.

“These beaches are heavily influenced by storm-water runoff from the surrounding watersheds and/or adjacent tributaries, and because of their location in an enclosed embayment, experience limited tidal flushing,” reads the advisory.

The beaches affected near the Kings Park area include:

• Callahans Beach
• Short Beach, Nissequogue
• Nissequogue Point Beach, Nissequogue
• Long Beach, Nissequogue
• Schubert Beach, Nissequogue

Officials advise swimmers that it's best to stay out of the water until at least 24 hours – meaning two successive tidal cycles – after the heavy rain stops. For more information, beachgoers can visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health or call 631-852-5822.

This advisory is expected to be lifted at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 25.