East Hampton Beaches Reopen to Foot Traffic
By Hank Russell
Because of the remnants from Hurricane Erin, the state has decided that all beaches will be closed to swimming until further notice.
On August 22, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that swimming remains prohibited at Atlantic Ocean state park beaches on Long Island. She added that there is also considerable beachfront flooding, which requires beach facilities to begin floodwater assessment and removal.
According to the governor’s office, state park lifeguards and staff found potentially dangerous high surf, rip currents, coastal flooding and beach erosion earlier this week and determined conditions were not safe for swimming. After continued monitoring, it was determined that swimming would not resume at Robert Moses, Jones Beach, and Hither Hills State Parks. All three Atlantic Ocean beaches experienced significant tide levels, with extensive flooding at the Jones Beach beachfront and areas at Robert Moses and Hither Hills.
This is an extension of another suspension announced by the governor. As previously reported by Long Island Life & Politics, the parks department suspended swimming at the three aforementioned beaches and later re-evaluate the water conditions.
“Safety is New York’s top priority and during this hurricane season, and we must ensure that beachgoers aren’t put in harm’s way,” Hochul said. “While Hurricane Erin has left the area, we are unfortunately unable to lift restrictions due to flooding and rough surf along our Long Island coast. We hope to resume swimming in the coming days once conditions improve.”
“I’m grateful for the quick and extensive beach and water assessment and monitoring from our Long Island regional staff, lifeguards and Park Police that keep our visitors safe,” said New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. We urge park visitors to follow all directions from lifeguards and park staff as we continue to assess flood damage and dangerous swimming conditions.”
LILP reached out to the state to determine when the beaches will reopen. George Gorman, the state parks’ Long Island regional director, said they “will be re-evaluating” the conditions of the waters at these beaches and examining not only “the rip currents, but the undercurrents” as well.
Additionally, the town of Riverhead announced that it is closing its Long Island Sound beaches after Town Supervisor Timothy Hubbard consulted with the Chief of Police and Recreation Superintendent. They decided, as a result of rough surf and hazardous conditions resulting from Erin, Hubbard said, all beach operations at Reeves Beach, Wading River Beach, and Iron Pier Beach were closed.
Unless otherwise notified,Hubbard said, beach operations at all town beaches will reopen on August 23 at 11:00 a.m. South Jamesport Beach and bathrooms remain open.
The Town of East Hampton has announced that its ocean beaches have reopened, but only to foot traffic.
Swimming and beach driving remain prohibited per the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. Pets are permitted but must be kept on leash at all times, and families are reminded to keep their children close while visiting the beach.
Bay beaches remain open.
Updates on beach access will continue as conditions are reassessed.