Suffolk: 8 beaches closed to swimmers

Eight Suffolk County beaches were closed to swimmers Monday after higher-than-acceptable levels of bacteria were found, county health officials said. When samples show acceptable water quality, the beaches may be reopened, officials said.

Affected are Venetian Shores Beach, Babylon; Cold Spring Harbor Beach Club Beach, Lloyd Harbor; Bay Crest Association Beach, Huntington Bay; Knollwood Beach Association Beach, Huntington; Fleets Cove Beach, Huntington; Wincoma Association Beach, Huntington Bay; Valley Grove Beach, Eatons Neck; Benjamin Beach, Bay Shore.

Copiague Harbor Beach which was closed earlier, also due to bacterial levels, remains shut.

Bathing in such contaminated water "can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat," said Suffolk Health Commissioner James Tomarken.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the beach hotline at 631-852-5822 or see suffolkcountyny.gov/health.