NEW YORK CITY — Sewage overflows and runoffs sparked by the recent heavy rains prompted the city to warn swimmers to stay out of the water at five public beaches.
In an advisory issued Wednesday morning, the city's Department of Health warned beach-goers not to swim at Coney Island and Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn or Midland Beach, South Beach, and Cedar Grove in Staten Island until further notice.
“Swimming and wading is not recommended at this time, especially for children, pregnant women, and the chronically ill,” said an agency spokesman.
UPDATE: The Health Department lifted the swimming advisory at 9:30 a.m. Thursday
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Health Department officials said that storm runoff and sewer overflows can occur after heavy rains, resulting in increased levels of water contamination.
Water contaminated with sewage or storm runoff may cause vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory illness or other infections, according to the DOH.
The agency says it will continue to monitor the beaches for any risks.
Lifeguards are still on-duty despite the no-swim advisory, according to the Parks Department.
For more information, visit maps.nyc.gov/beach.
