Beach Bathing Advisory Issued at W. Sayville, Sayville & Bayport Beaches

Suffolk County health officials are issing a bathing advisory regarding 67 beaches, inlcuding 11 within the Town of Islip, following Tuesday's heavy rains, with additional rainfall expected Wednesday.

Included on the advisory list are Bayport Beach, Sayville Beach, West Oaks Recreation Club Beach in West Sayville and Sayville Marina Park Beach.

The advisory comes just hours after heavy rains hit the south shore Tuesday morning.

According to officials, the advisory is based on the potential that bacterial numbers will be in excess of New York State standards resulting from the heavy rain that occurred today and possible additional storms on Wednesday.

The town beaches officially September 3, but remain open to the public with no lifeguards on duty. The SCDH advises against bathing at beaches without lifeguard supervision.

The beaches covered by the advisory are located in areas that are heavily influenced by stormwater runoff from the surrounding watersheds and/or adjacent tributaries, and because of their location in an enclosed embayment, experience limited tidal flushing.

The department recommends that bathing and other water contact be suspended in affected areas until the waters have been flushed by two successive tidal cycles (at least a 24-hour period) after the cessation of rainfall. Unless sampling done by the Department finds elevated bacterial numbers persisting beyond the 24-hour period, this advisory will be lifted at 10 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 6.