A letter to a local newspaper has sparked a bikini debate in Northport.

A recent visitor to Steers Beach wrote it is unprofessional for lifeguards to wear two-piece bathing suits and that the village should issue standard uniforms. George Gorman, of the state Parks Department, says lifeguards at state beaches have the option of wearing one- or two-piece professional, competitive swimsuits. Steers Beach Manager Dennis Rodetis says there is no dress code at the village beaches, and he doesn?t see a need for that to change.

Northport Village Trustee Tom Kehoe says there is some merit to first responders having recognizable uniforms and that the issue is being examined. However, he assures that village officials are not dropping everything to make a decision based on the complaints of a few individuals. Most beachgoers say lifeguards should be able to wear what they want and that the debate is much ado about nothing.