NYC Beaches Under Advisory Amid Heat Wave
Several beaches in New York City are now under advisories due to an ongoing heat wave, particularly as the Fourth of July weekend approaches.
This advisory indicates that the water at the affected beaches has elevated levels of bacteria. The Health Department has advised against swimming or engaging in activities in the water while this warning is in place.
High temperatures and strong sunlight can lead to increased bacteria growth in both the water and sand at these locations.
Monitoring by the city tracks enterococci, a type of bacteria found in feces. While this bacteria itself isn’t generally harmful, its presence could signal the possible existence of more harmful microorganisms.
Contaminated water may result in gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting, or can lead to infections in wounds.
In the five boroughs, safe levels for enterococci are set at fewer than 104 per 100 mL of water per test, or an average of less than 35 throughout the month.
Here’s a rundown of the beaches currently under advisory:
- Seagate 42, Brooklyn: This private beach on Coney Island recorded a high of 233/100mL on Monday, which is more than twice the acceptable level.
- Whitestone Boosters Civic Association, Queens: Despite a previous reading of 873 last week—over eight times the limit—the most recent reading is 136, with an average of 56 this month.
- Douglaston Manor Beach, Queens: This beach averaged 77 this month, exceeding the recommended limits. A concerning reading of 1,362 was found last week, but this has decreased to 10.
- Trinity Danish Youth Association, Bronx: The average for this beach is slightly above the acceptable limit. Following a reading of 228, it has now dropped to 10.
- White Cross Fishing Club, Bronx: This club’s reading was noted at 127 on Tuesday, a decrease from 194 last week.
If you opt to swim, the EPA suggests avoiding submerging your head or swallowing water. It’s also wise to keep any open wounds away from the water and to wash your hands after playing in the sand.
Conversely, here’s a list of beaches deemed safe and open for enjoyment:
- Bronx: Orchard Beach, American Turner, Danish American Beach Club, Morris Yacht Club, Schuyler Hill Civic Association, West Fordham Street Association.
- Brooklyn: Coney Island, Manhattan Beach, Gerritsen/Kiddie Beach, Kingsborough Community College, Seagate Beach Club.
- Queens: Rockaway Beach, Breezy Point 219th, Breezy Point Reid Ave, The Strand.
- Staten Island: Cedar Grove, Midland Beach, South Beach, Wolf’s Pond Beach.
Water quality testing throughout the city generally occurs weekly, though locations like Rockaway and Breezy Point are monitored twice as frequently.
Keep in mind that the most recent data is a few days old, and the extreme heat could have worsened conditions.
Beaches may face closures not only if conditions decline but also if there are reports of illnesses or if “dangerous amounts” of debris, waste, or pollutants are detected.
