New York City Department of Health Launches Texting Service for Beach Goers

by Stephanie Kuo | 05/26/2014 | 7:00am

New York City Department of Health launches texting service for beach goers

The service has been advertised over the past few weeks at the Staten Island Ferry terminal and in bus shelters throughout the city.

Memorial Day kicks off the unofficial start to the summer season. And for most, that means more trips to the beach. 

To keep beach goers out of harm's way, the New York City's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's unveiling a new free texting service for the summer season. The so-called "Know Before You Go" program allows New Yorkers to receive real-time alerts about any advisories, closures or water quality issues at any of the city's 8 public and 15 private beaches.

Beach goers just have to text the word "BEACH" to 877-877 to get any beach's status. Water quality near beaches can be compromised from excessive rain runoff, sewage or other pollution. And the Health Department says that can pose health risks to swimmers.

Public and private beaches will also post new, easy-to-read water quality advisories and closure signs on site. You can also call 3-1-1 for more information.

Weekdays at Noon

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