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1. When is monitoring performed?

 Monitoring typically begins in early April and continues through Labor Day.

2. What is a regulated beach?

All public and some semi-private beaches operating within the County are required to operate under permit to the Nassau County Department of Health.  In addition to conducting water quality monitoring these beaches are inspected by Health Department personnel to ensure compliance with the New York State Sanitary Code (NYSSC), Subpart 6-2.

The Nassau County Department of Health advises that bathing should only be conducted at regulated beaches where the water quality is known, and appropriate aquatic supervision is provided.

3. How often is the water quality tested?

Beaches in Nassau County are tested using a risk-based approach.  Utilizing historical data, the Nassau County Department of Health has classified all beaches operating within the County into three (3) tiers.  Those beaches that have historically demonstrated poor water quality are sampled once or twice a week.  Lower risk beaches such as those situated on the Atlantic Ocean are typically sampled less frequently.

4. What does sampling test for?

Based upon guidelines from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the NYSSC, Subpart 6-2 the Nassau County Department of Health is testing for an indicator organism known as Enterococci.  The presence of Enterococci in bathing water may indicate the presence of fecal contamination and an increased risk of potential pathogenic (disease causing) organisms.

5. Where are the samples tested?

 All samples are analyzed by the Nassau County Department of Health Lab, which is approved by the New York State Department of Health to conduct beach water quality testing.

6. What are some sources of bacteria in the water?

Leaking septic systems, illegal sewage connections and sewage treatment plant outflows can all negatively impact bathing beach water quality.  Illegal dumping by boaters, animal waste from dogs and birds and storm water runoff may also contribute to poor water quality.  

7. What does an “Advisory” mean?

The Nassau County Department of Health will issue an “Advisory” for specific beaches known to be impacted by stormwater runoff after a rainfall event of ½” or greater in a 24-hour period.  During an “Advisory” swimming and wading are not recommended!  The bathing water may be contaminated by stormwater runoff which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and respiratory illness.  Children, pregnant women, the elderly and chronically ill individuals are at higher risk.  Please be advised that the beach operator may decide to close the beach for bathing when an advisory is in effect.

8. What does a “Closure” mean?

The Nassau County Department of Health will issue a “Closure” anytime there is a known risk to the bathing public.  Known risks can include, but not be limited to; sampling results that exceed Federal and/or New York State standards, sewage spills, harmful algae blooms or other conditions that are determined to pose a direct risk to bathers.

9. Can you still go to the beach during a “Closure”?

You can still go to the beach and engage in any activity as long as it does not involve entering the water in any way.

10. Where can I find out if my beach has been closed or is under an advisory?

Beach closure/advisory information can be found on the Nassau County Department of Health’s website or by calling our 24-hour recorded beach information line at 516-227-9700

 

Beach closures/advisories may also be announced by local media or you can phone 516-227-9717 Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4: 45pm.for further information.

11. What is swimmer’s itch?

Swimmer’s itch is a dermatitis that develops on exposed areas of the skin after contact with waters containing cercaria (larval forms) of avian schistosomes (parasitic flatworms).  These parasites are released from infected snails (usually mud snails) into the water.  While the parasite’s preferred host is waterfowl, if the parasite comes in contact with a swimmer, it burrows into the skin and causes an allergic reaction.  Swimmer’s itch is found worldwide and is more common in summer months.  

 

For further information on swimmer’s itch, please visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/swimmers-itch/about

12. What are the signs and symptoms of swimmer’s itch?

Symptoms of swimmer’s itch may include tingling, burning, or itching of the skin, small reddish pimples or small blisters.  Itching may last up to a week or more.  Repeated exposure usually results in increased sensitivity.  

13. What is the treatment for swimmer’s itch?

If you believe you may have contracted swimmer’s itch (or any other aquatic dermatitis), it is recommended that you seek your Health Care Provider’s advice for treatment.  Most cases do not require medical attention.  Topical anti-itch and antihistamine medications may be prescribed to relieve symptoms.    

14. What is sea-bathers eruption?

Sea-bather's eruption is an itching dermatitis that typically appears on covered areas of the skin (under bathing suits, shirts, long hair) caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to the immature nematocysts of larval-stage thimble jellyfish (Linuche unguiculata), sea anemones (Edwardsiella lineata) and other larval cnidarians.  Initial swimmer exposure to the free-floating larvae produces no effects, as each organism possesses only a single undeveloped nematocyst (stinging cell) which is inactive while suspended in seawater.  Once the swimmer leaves the seawater, the organisms stuck against the skin die and automatically discharge their nematocysts when crushed, dried out, or exposed to freshwater causing the irritation.

15. What are the signs and symptoms of sea-bathers eruption?

Sea-bathers eruption is identified by severe itching around small red papules located on areas of skin that were covered by water-permeable clothing or hair during swimming in seawater.   Symptoms generally arise later after one takes a shower or dries off.  It is unusual to notice the eruptions immediately. Symptoms can last from a few days up to two weeks.

16. What are the treatments for sea-bathers eruption?

Treatment of sea-bathers eruption is the same as with swimmer’s itch.  If you think you may have contracted sea-bathers eruption (or any other aquatic dermatitis), it is recommended to seek your Health Care Provider’s advice for treatment.

17. What should you do if you become ill from swimming at a Bathing Beach?

If you experience illness symptoms after bathing, you should seek medical advice from your Health Care Provider.  You should also notify the Nassau County Department of Health’s Office of Recreational Facilities, so that any needed follow-up studies or investigations may be conducted to prevent any further illness from occurring.

18. What should you do if you see medical waste at the beach?

Medical waste typically accounts for a small percentage of the waste that may wash ashore at the beach and is extremely rare.  All medical waste including syringes and needles should be handled with care to avoid exposure.  It is strongly recommended that any discovery of medical waste at the beach be reported to the beach operator/management for proper disposal.

In the event of an accidental puncture by a syringe/needle, please contact your Health Care Provider immediately.