LARCHMONT, NY (May 19, 2026) — Save the Sound released its latest Beach Grades report, revealing that 72.7 percent of New York City’s beaches on Long Island Sound received a C, D, or F for the 2025 swimming season. Eight out of 11 public and private beaches in the area did not achieve A or B grades.
Orchard Beach and the West Fordham Street Association scored highest, each earning a B+. However, beaches like American Turners and Trinity Danish Young People’s Society in the Bronx received F grades.
Overall, 77 percent of 192 Long Island Sound beaches received A or B grades, marking a 5 percent improvement over 2024. Despite this, stormwater runoff remains a significant issue. “Stormwater pollution is a leading challenge to water quality at Long Island Sound beaches,” said Peter Linderoth, director of healthy waters and lands for Save the Sound.
High levels of fecal indicator bacteria, often linked to untreated sewage, pet waste, or stormwater, were found in 17.7 percent of samples taken under wet conditions. New York City beaches had a 47.4 percent failure rate in these conditions.
Save the Sound encourages residents to engage with local officials about beach grades and offers an upcoming webinar with Peter Linderoth on June 2 to further discuss these findings.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.
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