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We'll finally be able to swim at New York City beaches, just in time for the Fourth of July.
Last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that all NYC beaches would open July 1, after holding off to continue flattening the curve here. State beaches fully reopened Memorial Day weekend.
He warned that beach crowds could easily get out of hand and could spread the virus. And since many New Yorkers do not have cars to transport themselves to their beach day, they'd cram onto MTA buses and subways to get there, which was another concern.
"We've seen too many states in the country that have had a horrible resurgence of this disease," the mayor said on Wednesday. "We're not going to let that happen here."
The opening comes just as temperatures are reaching the high 80s and low 90s this week and New Yorkers are eager to celebrate the Fourth.
"The lifeguards are ready to go, training is being completed...it will be a great day for New York City and another part of our comeback and a great opportunity for people to stay cool," Mayor Bill de Blasio said. "It will be wonderful to be able to go back in the water ... and we are able to do it because this city got healthier and healthier over the past few weeks."
So, while beaches will be fully open to swimming, there will still be rules to follow:
- Beach-goers should only visit with members of their immediate household;
- They must keep six feet from people while swimming and on beaches and boardwalks;
- They have to keep beach blankets and chairs at least 10 feet apart from others;
- and they have to wear a mask when they can't maintain social distance and refrain from group activities.
Before you head out for some surf and sand, make sure to check out our list of the best beaches in NYC.