New York City's beach water (such as at Coney Island, Rockaway, and Orchard Beach) is generally safe for swimming, but its "cleanliness" is highly dependent on recent weather events. The city’s Department of Health monitors water quality daily for fecal indicator bacteria. The biggest issue is Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs); during heavy rainstorms, the city’s sewer system can become overwhelmed, causing untreated rainwater and wastewater to discharge directly into the surrounding waterways. Consequently, beaches are often placed under "Advisories" or closed for 24 to 48 hours after a significant rain event. In 2025/2026 reports, about 72% of regional beaches earned an "A" or "B" grade for water quality during dry weather. For the cleanest experience, locals recommend Rockaway Beach, which faces the open Atlantic Ocean and benefits from better water circulation than the more enclosed bays of the Long Island Sound.