Press Releases

City Beaches Will Be Closed Wednesday, August 20 and Thursday, August 21; Lifeguards Will Not Be on Duty

National Weather Service Predicts Large Breaking Waves of up to 13 feet, Life-Threatening Rip Currents Even for Strong Swimmers

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa today announced that access to water will be prohibited at all city beaches tomorrow, Wednesday, August 20 and on Thursday, August 21 due to the hazardous conditions expected as Hurricane Erin makes landfall. While the sand will remain open for visitors, swimming will be prohibited at all beaches. The National Weather Service predicts a dangerous rip current threat with large waves breaking from 9 to 13 feet, affecting beaches along the East Coast.

“We are working with all of our city agencies to prepare for Hurricane Erin and keep New Yorkers safe,” said Mayor Adams. “This storm is expected to create dangerous rip currents and large waves, and so we are closing all city beaches to swimming on Wednesday and Thursday. We are asking New Yorkers to take precautions and please sign up for Notify NYC for additional updates.”

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is our top priority. In consultation with our sister agencies and based on conditions projected by the National Weather Service, NYC Parks is prohibiting access to the water at all beaches on August 20 and 21,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa. “We strongly urge all New Yorkers to heed these warnings and not risk their lives by entering the water.”

Lifeguards and Parks Enforcement Patrol will be posted along the coastline to enforce the prohibition. New Yorkers are advised to adhere to all instructions for their own safety, and to sign up for Notify NYC for updates on beach closures.