5 Nassau South Shore beaches reopened

Five South Shore beaches closed Sunday to swimmers have been reopened, the Nassau County Department of Health said.

In a Monday news release, health officials said all Nassau County beaches are open for bathing.

Five beaches -- Biltmore Beach Club, Hewlett Point Beach, Island Park Beach, Merrick Estates Civic Association beach and Philip Healey Beach -- were closed Sunday as a precautionary measure after heavy rains.

Health officials typically close beaches to bathing as a precaution after heavy rains because stormwater runoff can elevate harmful bacteria levels, the department said.

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.