Several Long Island beaches reopened on Sunday after needles, syringes and medical waste washed up on shore and were discovered Saturday.
According to ABC7 NY, a lifeguard and others found roughly three dozen hypodermic needles and more on several beaches located on the South Shore.
The unidentified lifeguard found the needle inside a Gatorade bottle that had washed up on shore. Additional needles were found on Lido Beach as well as East Atlantic Beach.
Officials closed all of the beaches affected so that they could be inspected, cleaned and combed to ensure the safety of the public.
“The health and safety of our beachgoers and staff is of paramount concern, so we want to be absolutely sure that wherever this medical waste came from, it’s not still lingering to wash up again with the next tide,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen.
Long Island beaches reopen after maintenance
Gillen also reassured the public that as tides roll in, the beaches will be cleaned and inspected for the presence of any additional needles or syringes. Gillen also asked beachgoers to let the lifeguards know If they see anything.
“If you see something immediately notify a lifeguard or other park official and do not try touch an item yourself,” Gillen added.
Town officials aren’t sure where the medical debris came from but are looking into the possibility that the waste may have come from Army Corps of Engineers.
“They’ll all be evaluated, they’ll all be tested and we’ll continue to run down a lead. It could take weeks before we know where it’s coming from,” said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.
Assemblywoman Missy Miller also reassured the public that officials will continue to investigate the source of the waste.
“Just because the beaches are reopening doesn’t mean that we’re not trying to get to the bottom of it.”
