Nine New York City-area beaches are currently under swimming advisories due to elevated bacteria levels, according to city health officials. As a heat wave hits the region during the Independence Day week, health officials are cautioning the public against swimming or wading at these specific locations, though the beaches remain open.
Which beaches are under advisory?
The New York City Department of Health monitors 17 city beaches for water quality and environmental hazards. As of July 1, 2026, the following locations are under a water quality advisory following recent testing:
- Douglaston Manor (Queens): 1,362 enterococci per 100 mL (sampled June 23).
- Whitestone Booster Civic Association (Queens): 873 enterococci per 100 mL (sampled June 23).
- Danish American Beach Club (Bronx): 329 enterococci per 100 mL (sampled June 23).
- The Strand (Bronx): 334 enterococci per 100 mL (sampled June 23).
- American Turner (Bronx): 219 enterococci per 100 mL (sampled June 23).
- Trinity Danish swimming club (Bronx): 228 enterococci per 100 mL (sampled June 23).
- Schuyler Hill Civic Association (Bronx): 204 enterococci per 100 mL (sampled June 23).
- White Cross Fishing Club (Bronx): 194 enterococci per 100 mL (sampled June 23).
- Sea Gate 42nd Street (Brooklyn): 233 enterococci per 100 mL (sampled June 29).
Did You Know? State standards for marine water limit enterococci to 104 per 100 mL for a single sample; the highest recorded level among current advisories is more than 13 times that limit.
How does the city monitor water quality?
Health officials conduct water sampling and monitoring at city beaches once or twice per week throughout the swimming season. This process measures the “most probable number” (MPN) of bacteria per 100 milliliters of water. According to the New York State Department of Health, testing for enterococci and E. coli serves as an indicator of potential fecal contamination. While these city-managed sites are currently under advisory, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation reports that none of the state’s 67 public swimming beaches are currently under advisory or closed due to water quality issues.
What is the difference between an advisory and a closure?
A water quality advisory warns the public that bacteria levels are elevated, meaning swimming and wading are not recommended, but the facility remains open. Conversely, a beach may be closed entirely if environmental conditions pose a public safety risk, if water quality fails to meet health standards, or if there is a significant report of illnesses or injuries. Other factors leading to potential closures include the presence of medical waste, sewage discharges, or toxic contaminants.
What happens next?
Health officials will continue to monitor the affected beaches throughout the summer season. If subsequent water samples show bacteria levels returning to within state-mandated limits, the advisories may be lifted. Conversely, if conditions deteriorate or fail to improve, the city may opt to transition from an advisory to a full closure of the affected swimming areas to ensure public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all NYC beaches currently under advisory?
No. The New York City Department of Health monitors 17 city beaches, and only nine are currently under an advisory.
Is it safe to swim at a beach under a water quality advisory?
Swimming or wading is not recommended at beaches under an advisory because bacteria levels are elevated.
Do these advisories affect New York State park beaches?
No. According to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, no state park swimming beaches are currently closed or under advisory due to water quality.
Do you plan to check the latest water quality reports before heading to the beach this holiday weekend?
