63 Suffolk beaches under bathing advisory after heavy rain

Swimmers were advised to avoid 63 Suffolk beaches Tuesday due to the recent heavy rain, which could have increased bacterial pollution, the county health commissioner said.

Many of the swimming spots are in or next to North Shore embayments, or are located along the Long Island Sound or the northern beaches of the Great South Bay and Sag Harbor, the commissioner, Dr. Gregson Pigott, said in a statement.

These locations, Pigott said, “are heavily influenced by stormwater runoff from the surrounding watersheds and/or adjacent tributaries, and, because of their location in an enclosed embayment, experience limited tidal flushing.”

Swimmers should be able to return by 7 a.m. Wednesday, after two tide cycles and 24 hours have passed since the last showers, Pigott said.

Beaches will remain closed, however, if the health department finds elevated bacterial levels persist.

For a map of the affected areas, visit https://ny.healthinspections.us/ny_beaches/

For the most recent information on closures, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 631-852-5822, contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 Monday through Friday, or visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health.