NYC beaches officially open to swimmers this Memorial Day weekend on Saturday
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- New York City's beaches will officially open on Saturday, with lifeguards on duty during the Memorial Day weekend's unofficial kickoff to summer.
Coney Island is expected to be packed, as both Luna Park and Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park get into their normal "summer" hours this weekend.
Both opened on limited schedules earlier this spring, and Luna Park has been open Fridays through Sundays. But after opening at noon Friday, they will be open every day through the summer.
Lifeguards will be on duty at the city's eight public beaches daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Swimming is unsafe and strictly prohibited at all other times.
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Beach capacity will not be limited for the upcoming season, and masks are recommended in Parks comfort stations.
"Summer is here, and there's no better way to stay cool and get outdoors than by visiting New York City's 14 miles of beautiful beaches," Mayor Eric Adams said. "I encourage all New Yorkers to grab their friends and families and head to our beaches to enjoy some fun in the sun. Remember to be safe in and around the water this summer, only swim when lifeguards are present, and together we'll make sure this is a safe and enjoyable season for all beach-goers."
City beaches span a total of 14 miles and include Orchard Beach in the Bronx; Coney Island and Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn; Rockaway Beach in Queens; and Midland Beach, South Beach, Cedar Grove Beach, and Wolfe's Pond Beach on Staten Island.
This summer, NYC Parks will once again install sunscreen dispensers to provide free SPF 30 sun protection at all of its beaches, with dispensers located in or near all beach restrooms.
As part of Parks' 2022 water safety campaign, ads have been placed across the city reminding patrons the importance of swimming only in designated areas during lifeguard hours.
Designed by Parks, the campaign targets teens and parents and can now be heard on the radio in English and Spanish, and seen on bus shelters, taxi tv, link NYC, Parks beaches across the city, and on social media platforms.
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The Health Department is responsible for beach health and safety surveillance and routine water quality monitoring for all beache.
The agency regularly tests the water quality near the city's beaches to make sure it is safe for swimming.
When water is polluted from excessive rain runoff, sewage or other pollution, it can pose health risks to swimmers and beachgoers. If necessary, easy-to-read water quality advisory and closure signs will be posted at beaches to ensure that all beachgoers are aware of any health or safety risks.
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