Swimming has resumed at Jones Beach State Park and knee-level wading is now allowed at Robert Moses State Park, following the subsiding of rough surf conditions and flooding caused by Hurricane Erin. However, some restrictions may still be in place at specific beach locations if local conditions are considered unsafe.
Governor Kathy Hochul said, “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 continue monitoring surf, rip currents, and coastal flooding throughout the weekend. Officials advise visitors to stay cautious and follow any restrictions posted at various beach field locations within Jones Beach and Robert Moses. The reopening of swimming at Hither Hills State Park remains uncertain due to its proximity to Hurricane Erin, which continues to create unsafe surf.
New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons stated, “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 availability across New York state parks can be found on the official website: https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/swimming.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for real-time weather updates through NY-Alert: https://alert.ny.gov.
