The city’s beaches – all 14 miles of them – will open tomorrow just in time for the Memorial Day holiday, and for the first time, hospitality greeters will welcome revelers all summer, Mayor Bloomberg announced at Coney Island yesterday.
“All New York City beaches will be open for business and they’re going to be ready for you with your towel, your Frisbee and your sun block,” Bloomberg said.
All the beaches will be open, with lifeguards in attendance from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be lifeguards until Labor Day.
Officials said the water is safe to swim in and the beaches are clean.
Eleven million sun worshippers are estimated to use the city’s beaches and facilities this summer.
Last year alone, an estimated 9 million sunbathers flocked to Coney Island, and this year officials expect more if the weather’s better than last year.
Parks officials won’t open the city’s 53 outdoor pools for another month.
“The pools will open on June 26, which just happens to be same day as the Mermaid Parade right here in Coney Island,” the mayor added.
Park greeters will be on hand at beaches and pools.
“In 26 of our parks, ladies and gentlemen in their colorful orange polo shirts and khaki trousers will be providing directions to people, telling people where to find the restrooms, giving out garbage bags to large picnic groups,” said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe.
“They’ll help keep the parks clean and encourage all New Yorkers to keep the parks and beaches clean and treat them with respect.”
Nine greeters will patrol the boardwalk and beach at Coney Island.