The 10 beaches listed below are closed today (Wednesday, July 3) because of pollution carried by the rain yesterday and last night.
- Harbor Island Park, Beach Point Club, Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club, Shore Acres and Orienta Club in Mamaroneck
- Hudson Park, Echo Bay Club, Davenport Club, and Greentree Club in New Rochelle
- Coveleigh Club in Rye
The Westchester County Health Department prohibits swimming at those beaches as a preemptive measure for one day whenever it rains at least half an inch within 24 hours.
If it rains more than an inch, they remain closed for two days.
Considering today’s forecast (more heavy rain), the prospects for tomorrow aren’t good.
We will update this post tomorrow, telling you if the beaches are still closed, and we’ll also post it on our Facebook page and on Twitter (@savethesound).
Why are the beaches closed? Many sewers throughout Westchester County are in disrepair, so stormwater infiltrates the pipes and forces out sewage before it can reach treatment plants. The sewage-laden stormwater then flows into local waterways toward the Sound and its harbors and beaches. In addition, all around Long Island Sound, rain can overwhelm wastewater treatment systems or wash pollutants off local streets and into the waterways that flow toward the Sound.
Our Sound Swim Alerts are designed to help you plan your time on the Sound, and also to bring attention to the problem of chronic pollution at local beaches.
We issue Sound Swim Alerts for Westchester every weekend and holiday throughout the summer, and, if the beaches are closed because of pollution, on weekdays as well.
You can find out how you can help by reading about our new Long Island Sound Pledge program, and then choosing a way to get involved.
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