14-07-2025
6 NY state beaches closed for swimming due to algae or rain: See the list
Wondering how can you check up on water monitoring, beach classifications and know what locations are open or closed? The New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation tracks it all and updates the public on its website.
New York has 67 state-owned swimming beaches and all are tested regularly to determine the public's risk of coming in contact with waterborne diseases. The beaches are tested at least once a week for bacterial levels of impaired water quality, according to state officials.
Currently six swimming beaches at state parks in New York are closed, according to the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Two of those closure are due to heavy rainfall and the others due to harmful algal bloom, according to the report.
Test results are available roughly 24 hours after samples are taken and results are posted daily at state park offices, online and at the beach.
on Cayuga Lake in Tompkins County
Closed due to harmful algal bloom
Last tested July 12
Robert H. Treman State Park in Tompkins County
Closed due to heavy rainfall
Last tested July 14
in Tompkins County
The falls swimming area is closed due to heavy rainfall
Last tested July 14
Note: The Jennings Pond swim area within the park remains open. The swimming spot at the base of Buttermilk Falls is closed.
on Oneida Lake in Oneida County
Closed due to harmful algal bloom
Last tested July 9
on Lake Champlain in Clinton County
Closed due to harmful algal bloom
Last tested July 9
on Lake Champlain in Clinton County
Closed due to harmful algal bloom
Last tested July 9
No swimming beaches within New York state parks are currently operating under an advisory status
State officials close beaches within state parks when there is a known or anticipated risk to public health or safety. Whenever this occurs, signs are posted and the public notified 18 to 24 hours after an elevated concentration of bacteria occurs.
The causes of elevated bacteria levels are not always clear. They may be related to land uses in the watershed; stormwater runoff; naturally occurring sand or soil bacteria; or other factors.
Closure decisions are based upon monitoring results in combination with other factors that influence water quality, including water conditions including sewage overflows, cold temperatures, or high waves; environmental conditions, including thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds; and historical data.
Freshwater samples are analyzed for E. coli and ocean samples are tested for enterococcus.
A freshwater sample result equal to or above 235 colonies/100 ml exceeds the state standard. This applies to all regions of the Empire state except Long Island.
An ocean sample result equal to or above 104 enterococci colonies/100 ml exceeds the state standard. This applies only to the Long Island region.
Beach closures are placed in one of two categories:
Category 1 beaches: These beaches can remain open with an advisory. Water at the beach will be resampled and if the sample exceeds the state standard a second time, the beach will close.
Category 2 beaches: The beach is automatically closed until a satisfactory sample is received.
Common reasons for beach closures include:
Exceedance – Bacterial indicator levels exceed the state standard
Predicted exceedance: Model – A model based on environmental conditions predicts that water quality is poor
Predicted exceedance: Rainfall – Because of recent heavy rain, it is predicted that water quality is poor
High waves – Waves or rough conditions
Turbidity – Cloudy water that could prevent lifeguards from being able to see swimmers
No lifeguard – When lifeguards are not available, beaches are closed
Closed for end of season – Beach closed for the season
Cold water – Temperatures below 50°F
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY state beaches closed for swimming due to algae or rain: See the list
