Rockaway Beach will open Memorial Day Weekend

Mayor de Blasio displays the city’s new beach towel while announcing that public beaches will open on Memorial Day Weekend, just like the days before the pandemic. Mayoral Photography Office

By David Brand

A year after the pandemic postponed beach openings, lifeguards will be back at New York City seashores in time for Memorial Day Weekend, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday. 

Public beaches, including Rockaway, will open May 29, de Blasio said. Four dozen city pools will open after the last day of school, June 26.

“Last year, we had to delay the openings with public beaches, we had to limit the number of outdoor public pools. This year we get to do what is great for the families of this city, the kids of the city, have them all open,” he said. 

“It's outdoors. It's exactly where we want people to be. It's a great way for the families of New York City to spend their summer.”

De Blasio unveiled a new social distancing-themed beach towel during his press briefing. The towel features the now-ubiquitous “Keep This Far Apart” sign posted by the Parks Department across the city.

“This summer New York City is going to come alive,” he said, while unfurling the towel. “This is going to be crucial to a recovery for all of us, and we're going to have a safe summer and we're going to have a fun summer, and this is your reminder that you can do both at the same time.”

After beaches open, lifeguards will be on duty every day from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Swimming is prohibited during other hours.