The Big Apple’s beaches will open for swimming beginning July 1.
Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed the development Tuesday night and is expected to make an official announcement on Wednesday, according to City Hall.
“The rumors are true: NYC beaches will open for swimming on July 1,” Hizzoner tweeted. “Let’s keep playing it safe: social distance & face coverings, even at the beach!”
The Wall Street Journal was the first outlet to break the story.
The city’s 14-miles of beaches have been open to sunbathers, but due to coronavirus restrictions, swimming was prohibited.
Beachgoers flocking to the shores have had to comply with strict social-distancing guidelines that the mayor said is being enforced by city Parks workers.
On any given summer day roughly 620 lifeguards man the city-operated beaches, according to a member of DC 37, the labor union representing the workers.
It appears those staffing levels will be met when the beaches officially open for swimming next Wednesday.