By Fernando Martinez
01 Sep 2023, 17:14 PM EDT
This Labor Day weekend, the New York Governor’s Office announced that all state beaches on Long Island will safely open, now that the harsh conditions resulting from Hurricane Franklin have eased.
Lifeguards and expert state parks personnel evaluated the conditions Friday morning and determined that they are all indications that they are safe for swimming.
Access to the sea resumed this Friday at 9 am at Robert Moses and Jones Beach State Parks and at 10 am at Hither Hills.
All three ocean beaches experienced significant water levels, strong surf, and rip currents, with extensive flooding at Jones Beach and impassable areas at Robert Moses and Hither Hills.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will continue to monitor conditions at all state parks.
“I am pleased that the flooding and heavy surf on our Long Island shoreline has subsided and New Yorkers are able to enjoy a wonderful Labor Day weekend on our beaches,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.
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In the 14 miles of public beaches in New York City, bathers will be received until September 10, as is traditionally the case every summer.
However, there is a risk of rip currents in the next few hours due to the passage of hurricanes on the high seas. In this case, the important thing is that bathers must remain alert to the forecasts of the authorities and lifeguards.
“There is an active rip current warning for New York. Pay attention to posted signage and red flag warnings, which can mean a high risk of strong currents. These water conditions can pose a risk even for experienced swimmers,” the New York Fire Department (FDNY) posted on the X social network on Friday.
A rip current is a strong surface current of water that recedes from the coast towards the sea and is generated mainly by the breaking of waves along the coast.
It is reiterated that swimming is prohibited when there are no lifeguards on duty and in closed sections marked with red flags.
In addition, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) reconfirms that they will operate drones to detect sharks on all beaches and other eventualities for the rest of the summer.
“A drone can get there, see things, extra eyes in the sky, we can get closer to the water,” says NYPD Inspector Frank DiGiacomo.
The good news is that sunny skies and highs in the 80s will welcome New Yorkers planning to enjoy the last breaths of summer this weekend, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
Temperatures will rise through the weekend, reaching a beach-friendly high of 87 degrees on Monday, projections show.
There is an active rip current warning for NYC & Long Island. Pay attention to posted signage, red flag warnings, which indicate high risk of rip currents. #FDNY Capt. Romano overlooks Water Rescue Unit. He says these water conditions can pose a risk to even experienced swimmers. pic.twitter.com/rxhrXzxJC4
— FDNY (@FDNY) September 1, 2023
Please note:
- Full details and warnings before visiting a NYC beach can be found on the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation website nycgovparks.org.
- Register online for Notify NYC, visit the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) New York City Area Beaches page for water quality advisories or eventual closures.
- You can also text BEACH to 55676 to receive information about opening, closing and water quality in real time. Check the status of the park or resort in New York State at the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website: https://www.parks.ny.gov/