Elevated bacteria levels close three Suffolk beaches

Three county beaches are closed to swimmers Monday because of elevated bacteria levels, the Suffolk County Health Services Department said in a news release.

Tanner Park Beach in Copiague, Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore and Lake Ronkonkoma Beach in Islip have been closed to bathers until further notice, the release said.

A department spokeswoman said the bacteria buildup was caused by a combination of a lack of consistent tide flushings and droppings from geese and other fowl.

"On some of the smaller beaches, the tide activity isn't strong enough to flush the waters clean," spokeswoman Grace Kelly-McGovern said.

Beachgoers can access the department's Bathing Beach hotline, 631-852-5822, or visit suffolkcountyny.gov/health for information on beach closings.