In Response to October Heat, Mayor de Blasio Deploys Additional Resources to City Beaches

October 2, 2019

NEW YORK—In response to today’s unusual heat, Mayor de Blasio is deploying additional resources to ensure safety at New York City beaches.

“We’re facing unusual heat for this time of year,” said Mayor de Blasio. “In response, we are deploying extra patrols to ensure a swift response in case of emergency, but it’s critical that all New Yorkers put their safety first and stay out of the water at our beaches.”

To ensure New Yorkers remain out of the water and safe, NYC Parks has increased Parks Enforcement Patrol presence at Rockaway Beach today. Twelve additional officers have been assigned to the boardwalk and to patrol the beaches.  A FDNY harbor boat will patrol the waters by the Rockaways, a Rapid Response Vehicle will patrol the shores with members trained to make cold water rescues and EMS units will be on scene to treat anyone in need. The NYPD will also deploy additional officers and harbor search and rescue teams to patrol the beaches.

All beaches are closed to swimming. The outdoor swimming season ended September 8, as such, there are no Parks lifeguards on duty at city beaches. Signage warning visitors to only swim when lifeguards are on duty is posted at entryways of all beaches.

New Yorkers should adhere to all signage and instructions from officials for their own safety, and to call 911 for beach emergencies.