All Long Island state beaches reopen for swimming, Gov. Kathy Hochul says

Ocean beaches run by the state and some Long Island municipalities reopened for swimming Sunday, while others remained closed and the National Weather Service recommended against swimming.

Robert Moses State Park and all other state beaches on Long Island had earlier either closed for swimming or limited access because of dangerous surf conditions from Hurricane Erin, officials said.

"As Long Island State Park beaches reopen for swimming, the safety of every New Yorker and visitor remains our top priority. We urge everyone to exercise caution, follow all posted advisories and respect the guidance of lifeguards and park personnel," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement announcing the reopening.

Jones Beach had reopened for swimming Saturday, while Robert Moses permitted only wading.

The reopenings came as the National Weather Service forecast a high risk for "life-threatening" rip currents on Long Island's ocean-facing beaches until Sunday evening, and a day after a man drowned in a strong rip current at Fire Island National Seashore.

Forecasters monitor water conditions by looking at wave patterns, live camera feeds and updates from various parks' staff, said Bill Goodman, a meteorologist with the weather service's Upton office.

Asked about the state's decision to reopen beaches, he said the weather service is not directly involved in those decisions, adding: "We don't have the high surf we did late last week, so that may be part of the consideration."

George Gorman, regional director of state parks on Long Island, said the state's decision to reopen was informed by ongoing monitoring by lifeguards for each section of beach.

"They visually inspect the water, they go in the water, they make an analysis of how strong the current is. They look for the sweep — whether it's going east or west — and analyze how strong that current is," he said, adding that this tailored approach can lead to different restrictions at different beaches.

Some municipal-run parks were also open to swimmers Sunday — including Lido Beach, managed by Hempstead Town.

Ocean Beach Park, which is managed by Long Beach, was open only for knee-deep wading Sunday, a representative at the lifeguard's office told Newsday.

Officials with Fire Island National Seashore said Sunday that it remained unclear whether the swimmer who drowned Saturday, identified as Ishmoile Mohammed, 59, of South Carolina, had been swimming in an area monitored by lifeguards.

Meanwhile, Suffolk County announced Sunday that a dozen beaches were closed for bathing because of high bacteria levels exceeding state standards, until "further testing reveals that the bacteria have subsided to acceptable levels."