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Bathing Beach Operating Permit Requirements
All public bathing facilities in Suffolk County are required to apply for an operating permit and must comply with all applicable sections of the New York State Sanitary Code, Subpart 6-2 (bathing beaches), in addition to Article 16 of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code (regulating recreational facilities).
Code requirements include (but are not limited to) maintaining adequate bathing water quality, providing a level of supervision (lifeguard protection) pertinent to the facility type, having necessary safety equipment available, and maintaining sanitary conditions in bathhouses and toilet facilities. Operators are additionally required to draft, routinely update, and implement a facility safety plan that specifies how emergencies are handled.
The codes mentioned above, in addition to various fact sheets prepared by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the SCDHS, are available to be printed or downloaded in Adobe's "portable document format" (pdf). For a listing of available documents, click on the following link: Codes, Forms, & Fact Sheets.
Pre-printed permit applications and instructions for bathing beaches can be obtained by contacting at the following number: (631) 852-5760.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Lifeguard and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certifications are acceptable at bathing beaches in Suffolk County?
The New York State Department of Health annually produces fact sheets listing the lifeguard and CPR certifications that are currently acceptable at beaches in the state. Copies can be obtained by contacting us at (631) 852-5760. Copies can be also downloaded, in PDF format, and printed by clicking on the following links:
Aquatic (lifeguard) Certifications
CPR Certifications (Supervision Levels I & II)
CPR Certifications (Supervision Levels III and IV)
Where can I locate a lifeguard for my facility?
In Suffolk County, lifeguards may receive training from a variety of agencies, including town recreation departments, YMCAs, the Suffolk County Department of Parks, or high school districts that have bathing facilities. Contact these agencies for lists of successful candidates that may be looking for employment.
For a listing of currently approved courses and organizations offering those courses (in PDF format) click on the links above.
What lifesaving equipment is required at bathing beaches in Suffolk County?
References to required lifesaving equipment can be found in §6-2.17 (b) of the State Sanitary Codes for bathing beaches. An Additional fact sheet prepared by this department can be downloaded by clicking the following link: Beach Lifesaving Equipment
How can I obtain blank forms needed for the operation of my bathing beach?
A list of commonly requested forms utilized in the operation of a bathing beach can be viewed by clicking the following link: Codes, Forms, & Fact Sheets. Some are available in Adobe PDF format, while others must be requested by contacting us at: (631) 852-5760.
Will the Health Department inspect my beach?
Each beach facility in Suffolk County is inspected at least annually with follow-up inspections performed as necessary.
What happens if violations are found during an inspection?
If upon inspection, violations that are considered to be "public health hazards" are found, and they cannot be immediately corrected, the facility is closed to bathing until such time that compliance can be demonstrated. All public health hazard violations are subsequently addressed in formal proceedings. Minor violations are dealt with on a more informal basis, but must be corrected before the next regularly scheduled inspection.
How can I obtain a copy of the latest Inspection Report for my bathing beach?
A copy of your latest Bathing Beach Inspection report may be requested by contacting us at (631) 852-5760.
If I have a concern or complaint about a bathing beach in Suffolk County where can I go for help?
Complaints and Concerns about Bathing Beaches should be directed to the Bathing Beaches division at (631) 852-5760. ALL COMPLAINTS ARE HELD IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE.
How do I report an injury or illness at a bathing beach in Suffolk County?
For bathing beaches related injuries and illnesses, please contact us at (631) 852-5760. Pertinent information should be provided using the following form: Bathing Facility Injury/Illness Report |
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