10 Things to Know about Going to the Beach in Brooklyn
- New York City beaches open for the summer on Memorial Day in May, and remain open until Labor Day.
- The beaches are free.
- The lifeguards are on duty daily, but only from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Swimming is prohibited when lifeguards are not on duty and in "closed sections." "Closed sections" are marked with signs and/or red flags.
- Visitors can reach Brooklyn's three Atlantic Ocean beaches by public transportation. However, it might be easier to get to one of them (Manhattan Beach) by car.
- None of Brooklyn's beaches offer towel or chair rentals, and none have locker rooms, changing rooms or full showers, though foot showers and bathrooms are available. Water Cleanliness and Beach Conditions:
- As for beach cleanliness, it's the luck of the draw.
- If bringing small children to the beach, make sure they have sneakers or something to protect their feet; although no glass is allowed on the beach, the sand often disguises sharp objects.
- Beach conditions can change rapidly. To avoid disappointment, it is always smart to check on beach conditions before setting out. So, call 311 or check this site for status of the NYC beaches, to make sure they are open and that it is safe to swim. The Parks department is watching the weather but also such issues as water quality and bacteria count.
- There are 14 miles of beach in New York City, all public and managed by the NYC Parks Department. Many Brooklyn residents with cars skip Brooklyn's beaches and instead head to Riis Park, nearby but in Queens, which has a huge parking lot, rentals and more facilities than Brooklyn's beaches.
