Coney Island. Photo by Manon on Pexels.com
NYC Parks reminds all beach-goers to be safe in and around the water this summer, and only swim when lifeguards are on duty
NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue announces that the City’s eight public beaches will open for swimming on Saturday, May 28, and remain open through Sunday, September 11, 2022. Lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; swimming is unsafe and strictly prohibited at all other times.
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,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “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.”
“Break out the swimsuits, sunglasses, and sunscreen – beach season has arrived in New York city!” said Parks Commissioner Donoghue. “Our beaches are some of the best places to cool off and beat the heat in the city, and we want everyone to come out and enjoy the water at any of our 8 public beaches this summer. We urge everyone to stay safe and follow the directions of our lifeguards: swimming is only allowed in designated areas, from 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. when lifeguards are on duty.”
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.
Brooklyn
Coney Island offers an ideal summer respite from the hectic and steamy city. With nearly 3 miles of sandy beaches, Coney Island’s sunny skies and rolling waves make for the perfect getaway. If being active at the beach is more your idea of fun than just catching some rays, Coney Island also offers exciting recreation opportunities. With courts for beach volleyball, handball, and basketball as well as playgrounds and amusement rides, the beach and boardwalk can provide hours of entertainment. Catch a Brooklyn Cyclones game, visit the historic Deno’s Wonder Wheel and Luna Park, or take in a show at the Coney Island Amphitheater!
The Bronx
Orchard Beach, the Bronx’s sole public beach, was proclaimed “The Riviera of New York City” when it was created in the 1930s. Today, it remains a family friendly destination for summer fun, and will be welcoming visitors for swimming beginning May 28! This year, Parks will be hosting a series of fun, family-friendly events including movie nights, silent disco, beach volleyball, and a drive-in movie. In addition to beachside activities, the project to restore the historic, landmarked Orchard Beach Pavilion is moving forward. The $87.6 million project, a joint renovation project with Parks & EDC, will restore the pavilion to its former glory, and construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2022.
Queens
Rockaway Beach, one of New York City’s finest beach towns, welcomes visitors back to a replenished beach for a summer of coastal fun. Rockaway Beach is home to the city’s only designated surfing areas and its boardwalk has become known for its varied concessions which sell food and drinks from around the world including Peruvian, Bolivian, Caribbean, and Central Asian fare. As part of the FEMA funded Shorefront Parkway projects, several new amenities are coming to Rockaway this year including the recently opened Adventure Course and pickleball courts at B101-102, and a brand new dog run at B90. Also on the way, work is underway on a new Gateway Performance Space at B94-95, a new playground between B98-101, a labyrinth at B93, and a multipurpose recreation area at B77-81. As part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Atlantic Shoreline Resiliency Project, this summer will also see the continuous development and rehabilitation of stone groin structures along the shoreline. These new stone groins will provide stabilization for a re-nourished sand beach and dune and maintain the protective beach profile. The full details of this summer’s Rockaway beach operations plan can be found on Parks’ dedicated webpage.
Staten Island
Staten Island is home to four of New York City’s public beaches. This year, Wolfe’s Pond Park will feature new green energy units that use solar and wind power to provide lighting and USB charging stations. The six units were funded by a $120,000 grant from TD Bank and manufactured by Aris Wind. At South and Midland beaches, visitors who are looking to do more than soak up sun will have access to a variety of bike rentals, including cruisers, tandem bikes and specialty Surrey bikes that seat up to six people.
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.
The Health Department is responsible for beach health and safety surveillance and routine water quality monitoring for all beaches in NYC. 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.
- For more information on Health Department sampling results, water quality information, and to find out if there are any warnings or closures before heading to the beach, the public can visit nyc.gov/health/beach or call 311.
- Beachgoers can also sign up for “Know Before You Go,” a free text service in English and Spanish that informs New Yorkers if public beaches are open or closed due to water quality issues.
- New Yorkers can text “BEACH” or “PLAYA” to 877877 to get the status of any of the City’s eight public beaches. Beachgoers can also receive text alerts on weather conditions or warnings.
NYC Parks outdoor pools will open on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.
