Gov. Andrew. M Cuomo announced on Friday that New York State beaches will reopen the Friday before Memorial Day, with several measures in place to avoid a resurgence of the virus. Credit: NY Governor's Office

State and local beaches can reopen May 22 in advance of Memorial Day, with reduced capacity and restrictions on large gatherings to avoid a resurgence of the coronavirus, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Friday.

But New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said city beaches are not ready to reopen, sparking concern from one state lawmaker that residents could flood into Long Island, creating a "chaotic and untenable situation."

Cuomo's order allows individual municipalities to opt to keep their beaches closed or to provide additional safety enhancements. The directive was coordinated with the governors of New Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware.

“If other states were opening and New York wasn’t, you would have had millions of people from New York flooding those beaches," Cuomo said. "There would be a problem, and that wouldn’t help anyone.”

All four states will enforce the same rules, Cuomo said. Facilities cannot operate at more than 50% capacity, with limits enforced at entrances and parking lots, he said. 

Swimming pools, playgrounds, arcades, rides, concession stands and picnic areas will remain shuttered, while contact activities such as volleyball and football will be prohibited. Social distancing rules will remain enforced, and staff will be required to wear masks, Cuomo said.

If a local government refuses to carry out the mandates, or cannot enforce the rules because of overcrowding, Cuomo said, "We will close the beach the next day.” 

De Blasio said city beaches such as Brooklyn's Coney Island and Rockaway Beach in Queens are not ready to reopen. 

“It’s painful because we’d all love to be able to go to the beach with the hot weather, but it’s not safe yet,” the mayor said at his daily briefing.

State Sen. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach) called on de Blasio to reverse course, arguing his decision could create an "untenable situation on Long Island."

Nassau said it is developing a staffing and enforcement plan, including cashless toll booths and increased signage, at Nickerson Beach, the only county-run beach.

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“Nassau County has been in active communication with state and regional officials regarding new protocols for beaches and solutions to issues such as overcrowding as residents are eager to enjoy the summer after months of isolation," said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran's spokeswoman, Christine Geed.

Smith Point County Park and Cupsogue Beach County Park beaches would open on Memorial Day, with Suffolk's other beaches opening the third week of June, county officials said. Suffolk's plan requires visitors to wear masks on boardwalks, stairways and restrooms, but not on the beach or in the water. 

“We have to be able to provide something to do," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said Friday. "Beaches are a part of the fabric of life here. For kids who don’t have playgrounds and pools and movies and amusement parks, we have to have something for them to do.”

Long Beach officials said while they expect to meet Cuomo's directive, the city — which is forecasting a $4.2 million deficit from lost beach revenue — must ensure it can hire several hundred seasonal workers, including lifeguards, ticket takers and police officers.

“Our biggest challenge to getting up and running is the amount of people it will take to staff up quickly enough,” city spokesman John McNally said.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said on Friday that LI beaches would reopen for Memorial Day, with precautions in place to enforce social distancing.  Credit: Suffolk County executive Facebook

The city has not made a decision on when beach passes might go on sale or when the 2.2-mile oceanfront boardwalk, which closed in March, could reopen.

Fire Island will bring on lifeguards beginning May 24 and should be ready to serve on beaches by the July 4 weekend, according to the National Park Service. 

Public health experts warn that lifeguards will be risking their lives to save drowning swimmers, who cough, gasp and sputter — potentially infecting their rescuers — during resuscitations.

“The process of rescuing a drowning person will inevitably put a lifeguard at a very high risk of contracting COVID-19 if the drowning victim is infected,” said Dr. Alexander Sergeev, an associate professor in the Department of Social and Public Health at Ohio University.

Unlike some other states, New York is not requiring lifeguards to wear gloves or goggles. 

Suffolk said its lifeguards would undergo enhanced training, including using underwater compatible masks when saving swimmers.

By some measures, experts said, New York state beaches lack modern equipment other lifeguards around the nation rely on, from radios to personal watercraft to warning systems for lightning strikes.

With John Asbury, David Olson, Craig Schneider and Joan Gralla

Beach rules to follow

State and local beaches in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware can open beginning May 22. Here are the rules they must follow:

  • Beaches cannot operate at more than 50% capacity, with limits enforced at entrances and parking lots.
  • Swimming pools, arcades, playgrounds, concession stands, amusement rides and picnic areas will remain closed.
  • Contact activities such as volleyball and football will be prohibited.
  • Social distancing rules, requiring visitors to remain 6 feet apart from those not in their household, will be enforced.
  • Beach staff will be required to wear masks, while visitors would be required to wear them if social distancing is not possible.
  • Local municipalities can opt to remain closed or provide stricter regulations. Municipalities must notify the public by May 20 of their intention to open.

SOURCE: New York State

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