Nassau reopens 19 beaches to bathers

Nassau County health officials reopened 19 beaches Thursday.

The County's Department of Health said 14 North Shore beaches and five on the South Shore are open to bathing after being closed a day earlier because of heavy rainfall.

The beaches typically are closed as a precautionary measure after heavy rains, health officials said, because stormwater runoff often can elevate bacteria levels and affect bathing water quality.

For recorded information on beach closings and openings in Nassau, call 516-227-9700. Health department representatives are available weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., at 516-227-9717.