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NYC beaches set to open for Memorial Day weekend

By and
Updated  May 21, 2024 11:14pm EDT
New York City
FOX 5 NY

NYC beaches to open despite lifeguard shortage

All of New York City's beaches are set to open on Memorial Day Weekend, despite an ongoing lifeguard shortage that means that swimming will be strictly prohibited in some areas. FOX 5 NY's Teresa Priolo has the story.

NEW YORK - Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer for millions of Americans, and New Yorkers can look forward to spending time on the city's reopened beaches.

Beginning Saturday, May 25, all city-run beaches across the city will be open and free to the public and will remain accessible through September 8.

Lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, due to an ongoing lifeguard shortage, certain sections of beaches will be unguarded and marked with red flags. Swimming is strictly prohibited in these areas and outside lifeguard hours.

"There are some beaches that will have shortened hours or may not even be able to have a full complement because we have a life, a national lifeguard problem that we're trying to resolve here in the city," said Mayor Eric Adams.

The city began tasting earlier this year and increased pay to $22 an hour in hopes of attracting more lifeguards. So far, 560 new recruits have joined the training program, more than last year, but in order to be fully staffed, the city needs 1,500 lifeguards. 

To maintain beach cleanliness and safety, the city will monitor and inspect beaches, water quality, and beach facilities every day during beach season.

Manhattan's first public beach opens

A beach? On the shores of Manhattan? Well, guess what, it's not a dream. FOX 5 NY's Kendall Green takes a look.

Each beach will be classified based on its sanitary conditions. Color-coded signs will indicate the status of each beach:

  • Open — swimming and wading permitted (green sign)
  • Advisory — Swimming and wading permitted but not recommended (yellow sign)
  • Closed — Swimming and wading not permitted (red sign)

You can check the status of NYC beaches by using the Health Department's beach water quality map. 

For those looking to explore beyond the city, information on New York state beaches is available at parks.ny.gov/parks