New Yorkers take advantage of beautiful Labor Day weekend, enjoy numerous festivities and beaches
NEW YORK -- Summer isn't going out quietly with these hot temperatures over Labor Day weekend.
People were taking full advantage of the heat on Sunday, before city beaches close for the season.
There was a sunset session of Raggae on the Boardwalk, just like Joanna Birch-Szapo grew up listening to.
"This is heritage for us," Birch-Szapo said.
There couldn't have been a better way for her and her family to enjoy the unofficial end of summer, with temperatures feeling like mid-July. Raggae on the Boardwalk is in its 13th year, but only its third in Queens.
"When she was in my belly, these are the songs that I would play. So, she's good. She needs this," Birch-Szapo said.
Carter Van Pelt organized Raggae on the Boardwalk as part of the annual Queens Live! Concert Series, just ahead of the annual West Indian Day Parade this coming week. It is one of the city's few all-vinyl Raggae events blasting out of speakers the music was recorded for.
"You would not hear foundation Raggae or 'Rock Steady' at that event. I think that is a beautiful cultural event for the city, but this is an alternative," Van Pelt said.
Sunday was busy for lifeguards, as swimmers still crept into the red-flagged, no-swim zones.
"Although our summers are short, we do need more safety," said Joel Ocasio of Jackson Heights.
Ocasio said he values the city's lifeguards and hopes the lifeguard shortage, which has been felt across the country, doesn't lead to the city investing less in them.
"Other places have Jet Skis, they have boats, they have things that will give them and help them do their jobs better," Ocasio said.
But Queens Borough President Donovan Richards happily shared that Rockaway didn't have to worry about that this year -- with plans on helping the lifeguard population grow.
"Well, I'm happy to say that Rockaway Beach did have an increase in lifeguards. It has been a really challenging time, as you know, with the shortage across the country. We're building a pool in Rockaway Beach eventually that will help to train young people," Richards said.
City beaches will remain open past Labor Day, through next Sunday, Sept. 10, meaning lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. But after then, no swimming will be allowed.
