Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore closed to bathing

Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore is closed to bathing until further notice due to excessive levels of bacteria in the water that can cause illnesses. 

The Suffolk County Department of Health said in a news release that there was more bacteria in the water than acceptable. Health department Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said bathing in the water could cause gastrointestinal illness, as well as eye, ear, nose and throat infections. 

Bayport Beach in Bayport remains closed. The beaches will reopen when bacteria has subsided, the news release said.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Suffolk County bathing beach hotline at 631-852-5822.

By Brinley Hineman

brinley.hineman@newsday.com

Brinley Hineman covers the Town of Hempstead and the City of Long Beach for Newsday. She previously was a reporter in Nashville, Tennessee, and is a West Virginia native.