NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The city's beaches will officially open July 1, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
"The rumors are true: NYC beaches will open for swimming on July 1," de Blasio tweeted Tuesday night. "Let’s keep playing it safe: social distance & face coverings, even at the beach!"
At his daily briefing Wednesday, de Blasio said, "lifeguards are ready to go, training is being completed."
"It will be a great day for New York City—another part of our comeback to have our beaches up again," he said.
The beaches -- operated by the Parks Department -- typically open to swimming on Memorial Day weekend, but the pandemic delayed their opening. It was even unclear if they were going to open.
De Blasio also announced that private camps will be allowed to use space in New York City parks this summer. He said the Parks and Health departments are reviewing over 350 applications for camp permits.
In an effort to keep residents cool this summer, the city will also reopen 950 existing cooling elements—including sprinklers, spray showers and misting stations—and will add 250 new sites.
The mayor also said that the city has installed 18,274 AC units out of 37,200 requested by seniors across the city. He said nearly 1,500 units are being installed each day.