Long Island beaches reopen for swimming in time for Labor Day weekend
WANTAGH, N.Y. -- Long Island beaches have reopened for swimming, just in time for Labor Day weekend.
Lifeguards took to their stands at 9 a.m. Friday at Field Six of Jones Beach, but not before changing the red flags to green ones, symbolizing it was safe to swim.
"The conditions have diminished considerably from the rough surf, from the rip currents, from the really dangerous conditions we saw," said New York State Parks Regional Director George Gorman.
"It's great. We were worried we weren't going to be able to go into the water today," one Nassau County resident told CBS New York's John Dias. "Try and get in and maybe grab that boogie board."
"It's nice, clear blue sky, no clouds," another resident added.
Watch John Dias' report
Jones Beach, Robert Moses and Hither Hills state parks were closed for more than 24 hours because of high surf and hazardous rip currents. Swimming and surfing were not allowed, but the sand was still open.
Jones Beach also flooded Thursday thanks to the blue supermoon, along with Tropical Storm Idalia offshore and Hurricane Franklin swirling in the Atlantic.
"The entire beachfront from Field Six all the way to Field Two was covered with water," Gorman said.
Crews used bulldozers to build temporary dunes and trenches in order to funnel out some of the flood water.
"This was one of the worst flooding we have seen since Superstorm Sandy and before. We have seen flooding on occasion, but it has been rare that it is this high up," Gorman said. "We will have a clear beach for people to come down and enjoy. There will be some pockets of water, but overall, we're going to have it clear."
It was a reminder that peak hurricane season is upon us.
"The number one killer in a hurricane or a superstorm is not the wind, it's the flooding. People drown," Nassau Assistant Chief Fire Marshal James Hickman said.
Beach goers were also relieved the conditions have calmed down.
"I think people are going to take advantage of the nice weather and come out to the beach," said Franklin Square resident Gus Arhakis. "Soaking up the last of the summer."
"We're glad that it definitely was open and the kids can take advantage of it before school starts back next week," said Kristin Bennett, from Queens.
Drones will check surf conditions hourly.
"If [lifeguards] see any rip currents or anything that would be dangerous, they will redirect the swimmers into safety," Gorman said.
"It's like my life. I'm here every single day," 92-year-old Eddie Zarou, of Hicksville, said.
Zarou said he especially delights in watching families gather at Jones Beach to kick off Labor Day weekend.
"I can't go in the water like I used to, but I walk around and see the people, which means a lot to me," he said.
"Try to have the best last beach day of the season," one woman said.
"So I'm just happy that they kept the beach open and the lifeguards here because everyone loves to swim," 13-year-old Samantha Diamond, of Merrick said.
Watch Jennifer McLogan's report
The nearby South Shore Water sewage treatment plant in East Rockway has been rehabbed since its destruction during Superstorm Sandy.
Kevin Chandler, vice president of Veolia North America, explains "when we become aware that the tide is gonna rise to a level where it's going to leave the banks of the canal," the gates will close to protect the water system.
"Make sure that your families are safe. Have a plan to evacuate," Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said.
Residents are also advised to have a plan for the elderly, for children, for pets and a go bag with a whistle, flashlight, batteries, medication and water.
"The purpose of a go bag is to grab it and go," one official said.
Down at the Jersey Shore, Justin Black took a few days off to spend time with his children at Belmar Beach.
"I always have to hit up the local pizza places and good restaurants. Nobody wants to cook when they're down the shore," he said.
They were making the best of it, even amid concerns about the conditions in the water.
"The constant surf pounding, pounding the shoreline and the wave action. It's creating a lot of rip currents, which are outward flows of water," said Harry Harsin, chief lifeguard for Belmont Beach Patrol.
Even with kids back in schools, we can still enjoy state beaches in New York as lifeguards will remain on duty for almost three more weeks.
