Active Alerts Bergen Beach, NY

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation hasissued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the following counties:New York, Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk,Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam.until 11 PM EDT this evening.Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater thanan Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of Ground LevelOzone. The Air Quality Index, or AQI, was created as an easy way tocorrelate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higherthe AQI value, the greater the health concern.When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department ofHealth recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuousoutdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse healtheffects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects ofelevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those withpreexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease.Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personalphysician.A toll free air quality hotline has been established so New Yorkresidents can stay informed on the air quality situation. The tollfree number is 1 800 5 3 5, 1 3 4 5.

If you enter the surf zone, always have a flotation device withyou and swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relaxand float, and do not swim against the current. If able, swim ina direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, facethe shore and yell or wave for help.

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.* WHERE...Kings (Brooklyn), Southwest Suffolk, SoutheastSuffolk, Southern Queens and Southern Nassau Counties.* WHEN...Through Thursday evening.* IMPACTS...Life-threatening rip currents are likely for allpeople entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beachesshould stay out of the surf. Rip currents can sweep even thebest swimmers away from shore into deeper water.