NY Beaches Reopen Friday: Here's Everything You Need To Know

NEW YORK, NY — Sixteen state beaches will open Friday for swimming across New York, and beachgoers should expect to see plenty of space between towels and umbrellas, numerous masks, and even some rain.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said beaches will open at half capacity and warned that pent-up New Yorkers will flood the beaches early, meaning they'll likely reach capacity by 10 a.m.

The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said in a news release Thursday that lifeguard staffing at the beaches will resume to normal levels. The office reminded beach-goers to practice social distancing — it will be enforced — respect the rules, and do their part to keep the reopening safe. New Yorkers should plan ahead and have alternative plans ready, officials said.

State park police and operations staff will patrol beaches, boardwalks and parking fields to ensure people are social distancing and not gathering in crowds. Violators could be asked to leave. Anyone who parks outside designated areas will be ticketed.

Beachgoers should visit only with members of their immediate household and:

• Stay 6 feet away from others both in the water and on land.
• Keep beach blankets and chairs at least 10 feet away from others
• Wear a mask when unable to social distance
• Avoid group activities

Parking spots will be limited to reduce capacity, and other means of entry will also be restricted.

• Group contact activities are banned, including contact sports such as volleyball and football
• Capacity in indoor areas such as changing areas, locker rooms and restrooms will be reduced by half
• All beachfront concessions and areas of social gathering will be closed
• Social distance measures will be implemented for workers and visitors, including signs, distance markers, directional arrows, and physical barriers
• Masks must be worn by all workers and visitors when social distancing is not possible
• Restrooms and other frequently touched surfaces will be frequently cleaned and disinfected

Lifeguards have been trained to take precautions related to infectious diseases, officials said. This includes coronavirus training on precautions to ensure our lifeguards disinfect and sanitize equipment and surfaces, including lifeguard stands.

The number of lifeguards allowed in each stand will be limited and every lifeguard will receive a fanny pack containing a mask, gloves, hand sanitizer, CPR mask, safety glasses and a surgical mask in the event beach-goers need to be pulled from the water. Every lifeguard shack will be equipped with supplies and materials such as disinfectant and hand sanitizer.

Check parks.ny.gov, and 511 for park capacity closure alerts. Concession stands are closed. Beach-goers should bring their own water and snacks.

Swimming hours

There is a high rip current risk Friday at all ocean beaches.

"Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf," the National Weather Service says. "Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water."

Here are the hours swimming will be available at each park.

Long Island

• Jones Beach 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Robert Moses 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Hither Hills 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sunken Meadow 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Mid-Hudson

• Lake Welch 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Capital District

• Grafton Lakes 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Lake Taghkanic a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Moreau Lake 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Thompson's Lake 10 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Mohawk Valley

• Delta Lake 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Glimmerglass 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Central

• Green Lakes 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Fair Haven Beach 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Southern Tier

• Chenango Valley 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Western New York

• Beaver Island 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Woodlawn 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Weather

Long Island

The National Weather Service expects some rain could cut into the fun for Long Islanders heading to the beach this weekend.

On Friday, weather forecasters said there's a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 3 p.m, with showers likely Saturday. Sunday and Monday are expected to be sunny. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-60s all weekend.

Mid-Hudson

The National Weather Service also expects rain to pour in the Hudson Valley this weekend.

On Friday, weather forecasters said there's a 20 percent chance of showers after noon, with showers likely Saturday. Sunday and Monday are expected to be sunny. Temperatures are expected to reach the low 70s all weekend.