Health Officials Order 12 LI Sound, Hudson River Beaches Closed After Bacteria Tests, Heavy Rain

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The Westchester County Department of Health has temporarily closed 12 beaches across the county after routine water testing found bacteria levels above New York State health standards at some sites, and heavy rainfall prompted preemptive closures at others.

The department said Croton Point Park Beach, Philipse Manor Beach and Hudson Park East Beach were closed after routine water quality testing detected bacteria levels exceeding state standards. The beaches were notified and closed to swimming, according to the department, "out of an abundance of caution to protect public health."

The Department of Health said it will collect follow-up water samples at those beaches. Swimmers are being urged to check the latest beach status updates before heading to any county beach.

The department said it had preemptively closed certain beaches for July 19 and July 20 because of more than 1.8 inches of rainfall on Saturday, July 18. Those closures affect beaches in Mamaroneck Harbor, open water in Rye, Davenport Neck in New Rochelle, and Echo Bay in New Rochelle.

The affected beaches in Mamaroneck Harbor are Harbor Island, Beach Point Club, Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club, and Orienta Beach Club. In Rye, the closure applies to Coveleigh Club. In Davenport Neck, the department listed Davenport Club, Greentree Club and Surf Club. In Echo Bay, Hudson Park Beach was also closed.

The department said the rain-related closures are temporary. "If no further rainfall occurs, the beaches will reopen on Tuesday, July 21," according to the notice.