Beaches in New York

You need access, an operating swim area, and acceptable water conditions. One green light does not supply the other two.

Each source answers a different question: the exact beach page covers hours, parking, fees, and local rules, while the operator tells you whether swimming is guarded today. The health or water-quality page adds any advisory or closure — and once you arrive, posted signs and lifeguard directions have the final word.

Swim only in the marked area while the State Park has lifeguards on duty.

A State Park swim area may close for no lifeguard, high waves, poor visibility, cold water, a bacteria result, recent rain, or another safety concern. Call the park for same-day status because a web result can lag a short closure.

NYC public beaches are free. In the 2026 season, swimming is allowed only with lifeguards on duty, daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., through September 13.

Outside guarded hours or in a signed or red-flag section, stay out of the water. The beach may still be open for sitting, walking, or jogging. Check the city's morning beach status because staffed sections can change.

At Jacob Riis, Great Kills, and Sandy Hook, swimming and wading are prohibited without a lifeguard. A red flag means stay out.

Gateway also bars alcohol, smoking, open fires, glass, large coolers, and most tents or shelters on its beaches. Dogs and kites are barred from March 15 through September 15. Use the current Gateway page because federal rules do not automatically match nearby city or town beaches.

Sailors Haven and Watch Hill normally have NPS lifeguards from late June through Labor Day weekend, subject to staffing and weather.

They are reached by ferry or private boat. Cars reach the Fire Island Lighthouse from Robert Moses at the west end and the Wilderness Visitor Center from Smith Point at the east end, but not the mid-island beaches. Town and county beaches use their own operators and rules.

For Atlantic, Long Island Sound, and Great Lakes beaches, search the state coastal map by beach name and read the reason for any advisory or closure.

The map's 'Open' label means no listed water-quality closure or advisory; it does not show the beach's operating hours. New York City also keeps its own beach classification page. Inland beaches use the operator, local health department, or State Parks status.

Keep people and pets out of strongly colored water, paint-like streaks, mats, or scum, even if a map has no report yet.

A regulated swim area must close when a harmful algal bloom is visible. It cannot reopen until the bloom has cleared and the required check is complete. Do not let a dog drink the water or lick bloom material from its fur.

Swim near a lifeguard and away from piers and groins. If a rip current pulls you, stay calm and swim parallel to shore until you are out of it.

Do not fight straight toward the beach until exhausted. Float or signal for help if needed, then angle back to shore after leaving the current. Never enter rough water for a rescue without flotation; alert a lifeguard or call 911.

Keep a child or weak swimmer within direct reach and watch the water, even inside the guarded area.

A lifeguard watches the whole swim area and does not replace one adult's active supervision. Use a properly fitted life jacket when the activity or swimmer needs one; inflatable toys and arm bands are not rescue gear.

Check the exact beach for vehicle fees, resident permits, dogs, fires, alcohol, tents, coolers, fishing, surfing, and beach-driving access.

NYC public beaches are free, many State Parks charge a seasonal vehicle fee, and town or county beaches may limit parking. A rule at one beach or field does not carry down the shoreline. Night fishing and four-wheel-drive access often use separate permits.