Hydrant Spray Cap Program, Cooling Centers, and DOT’s Open Streets Program information is also available online. Check out NYC Emergency Management’s Beat the Heat website.
Don’t forget ~ NYC Pools and Beaches are scheduled to open on July 24th and August 1st. Check for the pool or beach near you.
The heat has arrived and NYC Parks is reminding beachgoers of the importance of staying watersafe this summer. To reinforce water safety, Parks has created a new campaign focused on how quickly drownings can happen and the importance of only swimming at designated beaches when lifeguards are on duty. In addition to the campaign, signage and flags are placed to identify no swimming areas.
“We take water safety seriously, and it is imperative that swimmers only enter the water in designated beaches during lifeguard hours,” said NYC Parks First Deputy Commissioner Liam Kavanagh. “While we want New Yorkers to have fun this summer, they must do it safely, and we hope that our new water safety campaign drives home our message – to only swim while lifeguards are on duty.”
As part of Parks’ new 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 be seen on bus shelters, taxi tv, link NYC, Parks beaches across the city, and on social media platforms.
Water safety is a top priority for Parks and it urges New Yorkers – regardless of their swimming ability – to be cautious and alert in and around water bodies. As always, Parks encourages everyone to be watersafe by following these Top 10 Water Safety Tips:
- Only swim where lifeguards are present and follow their directions
- Learn to swim
- Never leave children unattended
- Obey all posted signs and flags
- Watch for dangerous waves and rip currents
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings
- Wear a life jacket when boating
- Don’t take unnecessary risks
- Be safe in the sun
- Know before you go
Lifeguards are on duty at designated beaches daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; swimming is unsafe and strictly prohibited at other locations and times. 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 Park Beach on Staten Island.
To support social distancing, NYC Parks Ambassadors will continue to staff the beaches, handing out masks and educating patrons on maintaining safe space. Parks strongly urges all New Yorkers to exercise common sense, wear a face covering, and maintain at least six feet between each other.
Hungry? Here’s your interactive Map for Outdoor Dining.