NYC Beaches Open For Swimming July 1, Mayor Announces

NEW YORK CITY — New York City beaches will reopen for swimming on July 1, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Twitter late Tuesday night.

"The rumors are true," wrote de Blasio. "Let’s keep playing it safe: social distance & face coverings, even at the beach!"

De Blasio has faced much criticism for his decision to keep beaches closed — arguing safe social distancing would be impossible to enforce — even as those on Long Island reopened amid the novel coronavirus crisis.

The mayor's announcement came on the heels of a Wall Street Journal report from journalist Katie Honan, who responded to de Blasio's tweet, "We don't publish rumors."

The city's guidelines ask New Yorkers to visit beaches only with household members, maintain 6 feet's distance from other swimmers, keep blankets and chairs at least 10 feet apart, and wear a mask when social distancing is impossible.

De Blasio announced further cooling initiatives Wednesday that primarily involve children being misted.

The city will reopen 950 and add 250 new sprinklers, spray showers and misting stations across the five boroughs, de Blasio said.

During heat advisories, the FDNY and Department of Environmental Protection will install 320 spray caps to fire hydrants, de Blasio said.