Long Island, NY's Coopers Beach Named Top Beach in the Country

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., May 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Long Island, NY's Coopers Beach takes the number one spot in the 20th Annual Top 10 Beaches ranking produced by coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman (AKA Dr. Beach), Director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100528/DC11887)

It's the first time a New York beach is named Number One on the foremost list of Ten Best Beaches in America.

Considering Long Island's beaches compete with Florida, the Carolinas and Hawaii, having the number one beach in the country is quite an honor. Fifty criteria are used to evaluate beaches, including water and sand quality as well as safety and environmental management.  See www.drbeach.org/50criteria.htm

"While Long Islanders have always appreciated the quality of our beaches, it's gratifying to be recognized as having the number one beach in the country by no less of an authority than Dr. Stephen Leatherman," said Moke McGowan, president of the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (LICVB).  "To hold the top spot is significant when you consider the quality of the company we're in." www.discoverlongisland.com

Coopers Beach is the primary beach in the Village of Southampton in the world-famous Hamptons region of Long Island. The area is known for its quaint villages, miles of farmland, wineries, art, history, fine dining and lodging. The top beach is located at 268 Meadow Lane near the intersection with Coopers Neck Lane.

"This is really a reflection of the people in our community who respect the beach and take care of it," said Mark Epley, Mayor of Southampton Village. "Coopers Beach is a large white sand beach, well-maintained, with great dunes and beach grass. We have visitors from all over the world."

Also on the list is Main Beach, in the Village of East Hampton (Number Five).  Both are a small part of the over 100 miles of oceanfront on Long Island's South Shore. The LICVB anticipates the award will spur visitation to Long Island's other public beaches and attractions.

Dr. Leatherman produces the Top Ten Beaches list annually and is an internationally known coastal scientist who has published 16 books and hundreds of scientific articles about beach health and safety. www.DrBeach.org

For a free Long Island Travel Guide call 1-877-386-6654 ext. 210 or visit www.discoverlongisland.com.

SOURCE Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau