This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
Beaches Are Open in N.Y.C., but Virus Worries Linger ¶
On a sweltering Fourth of July weekend, New Yorkers flocked to the city's beaches, eager to dip their toes in the ocean after months of lockdown. But despite the excitement, many beachgoers couldn't shake off the feeling of unease about the ongoing pandemic.
As the city's beaches reopened for swimming, Mayor Bill de Blasio warned that large crowds might risk transmission of the coronavirus. The mayor had kept the city's 14 miles of beaches closed even as temperatures rose, along with frustration from long-quarantined New Yorkers.
“This is something people have been waiting patiently for — maybe not always patiently for — but it’s here,” Mr. de Blasio said at his Wednesday news briefing.
But not everyone was convinced that the beaches were safe. Dragan Jenovac, a 53-year-old crane operator from Queens, said he was “a little concerned it’s coming back” as he visited Rockaway Beach on Wednesday.
Despite the concerns, many beachgoers were thrilled to be back in the water. Rachel Thompson, a 45-year-old schoolteacher, exclaimed, “Yay! It feels fantastic to have Rockaway open, to have lifeguards so kids can swim safe.”
As the city's beaches reopened, the mayor also announced that 15 of the city's 53 free outdoor pools would open in late July in communities “hit hardest” by the virus and furthest from beaches. This was a partial reversal of his announcement in April that the pools would not open.
But the reopening of the beaches was not without its challenges. A main challenge was coming up with enough lifeguards to open beaches before the Fourth of July, said Henry Garrido, executive director of District Council 37, the union that represents parks workers.
“You don’t just flip a switch and open the beaches,” he said.
Finally, the city certified 512 lifeguards. More than 600 are usually employed, Mr. Garrido said, and this season’s shortage could mean a reduction in swimming areas.
But Mr. Kavanagh, the first deputy commissioner of the city’s Department of Parks, said, “There’s plenty of space for everyone. There’s plenty of ocean and there’s room to spread out.”
As the city's beaches reopened, the mayor and city officials emphasized the importance of social distancing and mask-wearing. Beachgoers must keep at least six feet apart and wear face coverings when on the sand or the boardwalk.
Restrooms will operate at half-capacity, and boardwalk concessions must offer to-go service only.
Despite the precautions, many beachgoers were still worried about the spread of the virus. Kasey Gustaveson, an 18-year-old surfer from Queens, said, “You feel like corona never happened” when in the water.
But as the city's beaches reopened, the mayor and city officials emphasized the importance of caution and vigilance in the face of the ongoing pandemic.
