NYC Parks Department announced that Coney Island Beach, Rockaway Beach, and Orchard Beach will officially open to the public this Saturday, May 27th, with lifeguards on duty from 10am to 6pm.
Love to swim? Looking for a summer job? You’re not too late to apply to be a NYC Parks Department Lifeguard.
The world-famous Coney Island Beach will officially open to the public this Saturday, May 27, with lifeguards on duty daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Sunday, September 10. Swimming is strictly prohibited at all other times.
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!
Orchard Beach, the “The Riviera of New York City” and the sole public beach in the Bronx, will officially open this Saturday, May 27, with lifeguards on duty daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Sunday, September 12. Swimming is strictly prohibited at all other times.
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.
“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.”
In 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 will open to the public on Saturday, May 27, 2023. It 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.
Staten Island is home to four of New York City’s public beaches: Cedar Grove Beach, Midland Beach, South Beach, and Wolfe’s Pond Beach. At South and Midland Beaches, beachgoers can access a variety of bike rentals, including cruisers, tandem bikes, and specialty Surrey bikes that seat up to six people. Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk features lovely views of the Verrazzano Bridge, the Fountain of Dolphins, and barbecuing areas, for those looking to more than soak up sun on the sand. And, following a successful trial last summer, Wolfe’s Pond Park will continue to provide green energy units that use solar and wind power to provide lighting and USB charging stations, thanks to a $120,000 grant from TD Bank and manufactured by Aris Wind.
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.
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.