Crowds pack area beaches to celebrate Fourth of July

Under perfect blue skies, swimmers and sunbathers swarmed Long Island's beaches Saturday, seeking the kiss of sun or cool relief from temperatures touching the mid-80s.

Crowds packed Robert Moses State Park, where a small group swam outside of areas patrolled by lifeguards.

"I had no idea we weren't swimming in the lifeguarded section," said Isabella Alfano, who was swimming with two others about 2 p.m. as about a half-dozen others waded nearby. "We've been swimming in this area the whole day and no lifeguards have come over to tell anyone to get out."

"I'm a very experienced swimmer," said Alfano, a New Jersey resident. State parks spokesman George Gorman said the department patrols areas where lifeguards aren't regularly stationed and would look into the unguarded swimmers.

In Long Beach, Dora Carmichael, 32, and relative Jessica Rodriguez, 34, both of Kew Gardens, Queens, said recent drownings have made them even more aware of dangers. Both brought their daughters, 3 and 4.

"I think as long as you constantly watch your child, you're OK," Carmichael said.

Gary Miller, 62, and his wife, Ann, 60, of Yonkers, sailed to Bridge Marine in Bayville. "We came out to enjoy the good weather and the great harbor," he said.

Marina owner Richard Valicenti, 55, said business "seems to be coming back a little bit, but that just could be the weather. The consumers' confidence isn't back yet." But this weekend, he said, "We're going to be busy. Very, very busy."