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NYC Beaches

The NYC Health Department monitors and inspects beaches, water quality, and beach facilities. We collect water samples and monitor rain, contaminants, and other environmental conditions. Each beach has one of three classifications based on its water quality – open, advisory (warning), or closed. If a beach is under advisory or closed, signage is posted at the beach to notify beachgoers.

  • Advisory — Swimming and wading not recommended (yellow sign)
  • Closed — Swimming and wading not allowed (red sign)

A permit is required from the NYC Health Department for each bathing beach and its facilities. During swim season, the Department performs inspection for compliance with bathing beach regulations (PDF).

NYC Beaches Are Open

You can check beach advisories (warnings) and closures by using our NYC Beach Water Quality Map.

For more information, sign up for “Beach Notifications” on NotifyNYC.


Beach Classifications

Starting one month before beach season and through the entire bathing season, the NYC Health Department collects information at each beach to classify beach conditions.

  • Water Sampling: We take water samples at all beaches weekly except for at Rockaway and Breezy Point beaches, where we take samples biweekly. We test the water samples for bacteria as an indicator of contamination. The results are compared to NYS Department of Health water quality standards for safe swimming.
  • Sanitary Survey: During sampling, we monitor and identify sources of pollution that affect beach water quality. We do this using a method called a sanitary survey.
  • Rainfall: Each beach has an assigned rainfall threshold that we monitor. High levels of rainfall are associated with higher levels of bacteria.

Results are reviewed to assign one of three classifications described below.

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Open — Swimming and Wading Allowed

Beaches are open when all of the following conditions are met:

  1. Water sample results show beach water quality meets the standards for swimming.
  2. Sanitary surveys are free of signs of pollution (floatable debris, medical or infectious waste, toxic contaminants, petroleum products, other contamination, or evidence of sewage and wastewater discharge).
  3. There are no repeated complaints or reports of illness or injury at the beach.

Advisory (Warning) — Swimming and Wading Not Recommended (Yellow Sign)

Beaches are under advisory (warning) when one or more of the following conditions exists:

  1. Rainfall exceeds the rainfall thresholds.
  2. Water sample results do not meet beach water quality standards for swimming.
  3. Sanitary survey or investigation reveals the presence of pollution (floatable debris, medical or infectious waste, toxic contaminants, petroleum products, other contamination, or evidence of sewage and wastewater discharge).

Closed — Swimming and Wading not Allowed (Red Sign)

Beaches are closed when one or more of the following conditions exists:

  1. Water sample results do not meet beach water quality standards for swimming.
  2. Significant incidence of related illnesses or repeated complaints, reports of illness or injury from beach visitors.
  3. Sanitary survey or an investigation reveals the presence of potentially hazardous amounts of pollution (floatable debris, medical or infectious waste, toxic contaminants, petroleum products, other contamination, or evidence of sewage and wastewater discharges).
  4. Any other public health or safety hazards.

Water Safety and Public Health

Have fun in the sun while following these Swimming Safety Tips (PDF).

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If you suspect you got sick after swimming at a beach, seek medical attention promptly and report your illness by calling 311. For more information, go to Water Recreation-Related Illnesses.

To file a complaint, you can submit online at:

Surveillance and Monitoring Beach Reports

For details on NYC Health Department’s inspection and the results, view our annual reports:

More Information