Queens’ beaches open for summer despite gloomy weather

Local officials and residents rang in the beach season on the Rockaway Boardwalk on Friday. Eagle photo by Ryan Schwach

By Ryan Schwach

It didn’t look or feel like it, but summer officially began in Queens over the weekend.

Despite the gloomy, rainy weather on Friday, local elected officials and community members celebrated Queens’ annual beach opening on Beach 17th Street and the boardwalk in Far Rockaway.

The celebration is a marker of the start of summer in the city, which for many, often includes at least one trip to Queens’ beaches.

“We all know there really is no other beach or community in the city quite like this one, and we are thrilled to welcome New Yorkers and visitors back to our free public beaches for another summer of fun,” said Parks Department Commissioner Sue Donoghue, who is stepping down at the end of the month. “Our city's waterfront is a vital part of summer for New Yorkers. It's a reprieve from the heat in the summer and a place to relax with family and friends.”

Bad weather has become a running theme at Rockaway Beach’s seasonal opening, but that has never stopped the community, who still celebrated with music and performances on Friday.

“It's great to be back at Rockaway Beach, the best beach on the eastern seaboard, and it promises to be another incredible season,” said Borough President Donovan Richards.

Local Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer-Amato celebrates the beach’s opening the same way each year – heading the seasonal watering-hole Connolly’s, which opens this weekend.

“In Rockway, we're about tradition,” she said.

City Council Parks Committee Chair Shekar Krishnan made the trip from his Western Queens district to help open the beaches.

“Rain or shine, it is always a beautiful day,” he said. “New York City is surrounded by water and places like The Rock ways bring us together with our families in nice weather or otherwise.”

With the start of the new season, the city said the beach will see a few changes.

The officials gave a $3 million check to Dredsurfer, the Far Rockaway concessionary that hosted the beach opening. The funding will go toward building a new bathroom for Dredsurfer.

“This is just the first seed, but we want to make sure we invest it in making sure that our concessionaires are successful to deliver the best infrastructure for the community and for our visitors,” said Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers celebrate the start of summer.  Eagle photo by Ryan Schwach

This year, visitors may also feel that it’s easier to make their way to the far-flung Rockaway peninsula. The city recently announced that it plans to expand service on the Rockaway Rocket ferry, running additional boats throughout the most popular beach days.

The peninsula also recently saw the return of the A train, which had been shut down for 17 weeks for repairs earlier this year.

Amid the celebration, officials issued a warning. They reiterated to locals that they should not swim without a lifeguard on duty, and to always be aware of rip currents and other dangerous tides.

“This is going to be a safe summer at the beach,” said the BP.

The giant piping plover mascot returned for another beach opening ceremony. Eagle photo by Ryan Schwach

Over a dozen people have drowned off the Rockaways dating back to 2020, according to the city.

“Swimming is prohibited where lifeguards are not present or in closed sections of the beach,” said Donoghue. “Never leave children unattended near water, even when lifeguards are present. Please obey all signs and posted red flags, they let you know where it's safe not to swim. It's also critically important for swimmers to stay away from dangerous rip currents in the water, which are dangerous to swimmers of any skill level.”