Swimming has resumed at Jones Beach State Park, and knee-level wading is now permitted at Robert Moses State Park following the reduction of rough surf conditions and flooding caused by Hurricane Erin. However, some restrictions may remain in place at specific beach locations if unsafe localized conditions are observed.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “We are are glad to reopen swimming at Jones Beach now that most conditions have improved, but surf conditions remain a concern at Robert Moses State Park where only knee-level wading will be permitted due to strong undercurrents and rip currents forming, and unsafe conditions persist at Hither Hills State Park where swimming will continue to be prohibited. Sincere gratitude goes out to our emergency services teams for their response efforts and to beachgoers for their understanding.”
State park lifeguards and staff will keep monitoring the beaches for dangerous surf, rip currents, and coastal flooding throughout the weekend. Officials advise visitors to exercise caution and comply with any posted restrictions at different beach field locations within Jones Beach and Robert Moses parks. The reopening date for swimming at Hither Hills State Park remains uncertain because of ongoing unsafe surf conditions linked to its proximity to Hurricane Erin.
New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “Our teams on Long Island, including staff, lifeguards and Park Police, have approached this week’s extreme weather event with the utmost professionalism and care. They put our patrons’ safety first. While we are eager to have safe swimming resume at Jones Beach and wading at Robert Moses, State Parks continues to urge beachgoers to remain alert in the water and follow guidance from lifeguards and park staff.”
Information about swimming opportunities across New York state parks can be found on the official website (https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/swimming). Residents can also sign up for real-time weather alerts through NY-Alert (https://alert.ny.gov).
