Lake Ronkonkoma Beach reopens to swimmers

Lake Ronkonkoma Beach in the Town of Islip, closed to swimming Monday due to higher-than-acceptable bacteria levels, has been reopened thanks to recent water samples that meet state standards, Suffolk County health officials said Friday.

Swimming in such contaminated water "can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat," said Dr. James Tomarken, county health commissioner.

To learn more and stay up to date on affected beaches, residents can call the county's bathing beach hotline at 631-852-5822 or check http://gis2.suffolkcountyny.gov/bathingbeaches/