“City Beaches Open for Summer, Officials Stress Importance of Safety and Staffing”

This Saturday the city’s beaches open, a moment awaited by many.

“Happy, happy, we are already waiting for this day to open earlier because the temperatures are already hot,” said Melecia Rendón, a Rockaways resident.

It is expected that it will be sunny and that the temperatures will be pleasant.

“Well, we are ready, we have all the energy for this weekend,” said Jonathan Peralta, an employee of the Red Hook Lobster Pound.

Meanwhile… the city is also preparing for this season.

This Thursday, Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue and other city officials met at Coney Island to discuss beach safety.

The commissioner reminded the bathers that the lifeguards will be on duty from 10 in the morning to 6 in the afternoon, every day, starting this Saturday. And that it is forbidden to swim outside these hours.

“Here’s what you can do in New York this weekend! Games and sports at The Bronx Family Fun Day, a community backyard cookout, Top Gun: Maverick and beaches,” the department further wrote. of Parks in a message on social networks.

Here’s what you can do across NYC this weekend! Games and sports at Bronx family fun day, a community garden cooking workshop, Top Gun: Maverick, and beaches 🧵: pic.twitter.com/BdIahtOCmz

— NYC Parks (@NYCParks) May 25, 2023

This year the city only has about a third of the lifeguards needed at the beaches and public pools, which open on June 29.

The agency has about 500 lifeguards and hopes to reach 800, although more than 1,400 first responders are required.

“Dangerous. Imagine that there is a drowning over there, another over there and at the same time. It’s chaos,” Rendón added.

“Worried, a little worried because there are many children out in the water and something could happen,” said Aníbal Soto, a visitor to Rockaway Beach.

First responders’ wages have increased to $21 an hour, but Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso says that’s not enough.

“You have to understand that this is a temporary thing and there are 200, 300 and 400 lifeguards that are needed. This is not a lot of money, if we have to pay him up to 40 dollars an hour, we must pay him.”

Still, staffing aside, elected officials encourage all New Yorkers to enjoy the summer and the business of the Rockaways waterfront.

As well as the attractions in Coney Island such as Luna Park and the aquarium among others.

The commissioner also urges New Yorkers to keep the beaches and surrounding areas clean by avoiding throwing trash out of the dumpsters.