Lake Ronkonkoma closed to swimming, health officials say

Lake Ronkonkoma has been closed to swimming, as water samples show higher than acceptable levels of bacteria, Suffolk County health officials said Thursday.

Also, Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore, which had been closed for the same reason, has been reopened to swimmers, officials said.

James Tomarken, Suffolk’s health commissioner, said in a news release that swimming in bacteria-contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal illness, and eye, ear, nose and throat infections.

The beach will be reopened when testing shows that bacteria levels are at acceptable ranges, officials said.

For further information on beach closings and openings, call Suffolk’s beach hotline at 631-852-5822.