Seagull Crap Is Spoiling The Waters Off Kingsborough, Officials Say

The city is advising beachgoers to avoid swimming off Kingsborough Community College after health officials found high amounts of a dangerous bacteria traced to seagull poop.

Tests found unsafe levels of Enterococci bacteria, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory illnesses and infections. Party-pooping seagulls appear to be the source of the contamination, according the to health department.

“Swimming and bathing is currently not recommended at Kingsborough Community College Beach due to the presence of Enterococci bacteria. We believe that the water quality is being impacted by seagulls congregating on the beach,” the agency said in a statement.

Kingsborough’s beach was placed under advisory between June 15 and June 21. The beach was closed from June 22 and June 28 and was placed back under advisory beginning on June 29, according to the health department.

A similar advisory has been issued for Gerritsen Beach.

Kingsborough’s Director of External Affairs, JoAnne Meyers, said advisories related to Enterococci bacteria occur every few years. She explained the college tests the ocean daily. However, there is not much else to do except wait for the water quality to become safe again.

“That’s the beauty of the ocean,” she said. “The environment just clears it out by itself.”

For water quality information about New York City beaches, visit nyc.gov/health/beach.