New York City beaches open this Memorial Day weekend, officials tout new safety measures
ORCHARD BEACH, Bronx (WABC) -- New York City's beaches open Saturday to kick off Memorial Day weekend and local leaders revealed a comprehensive game plan Friday aimed at summer safety.
Whether it's the beach, a public pool, outdoor dining or any of the other things that make the city great, officials say they have it covered.
The city has been focused on recruiting lifeguards. There were 930 on duty at the peak of last summer, and the city expects to meet, if not exceed, that number this year.
City leaders raised lifeguard wages, secured bonuses, and modernized application requirements to help increase the number of new recruits.
Adams also spoke about how first responders have expanded their use of drones to keep beachgoers safe.
Rescuers are able to drop emergency flotation devices to struggling swimmers. The city will also continue its drone surveillance of the shoreline in response to increased shark sightings.
Additionally, as New York City enters the summer months, the NYPD is launching its 2025 summer crime reduction plan.
More than 1,500 uniformed officers are being deployed to foot posts in 70 summer deployment zones, covering 57 precincts across all five boroughs and all eight police service areas.
The NYPD's new Quality of Life Division will also enforce regulations related to noise complaints, illegal mopeds and ATVs, parking violations, and other common summer concerns.
It's all in response to an expected increase in crime in the summer.
There have been several recent incidents of violence in the Bronx, including the shooting death of a 16-year-old girl by a 14-year-old boy, according to police.
Compared to 2018, child victims of gun violence went up 200% last year in the Bronx.
In the past, the "Summer All Out" program has worked to reduce crime, according to the city.
"We want all New Yorkers to enjoy summer in the greatest city in the world - and we want to make sure that everyone is safe and protected whether they are in the sun, on the beach, on the streets, at home, or at work," Adams said.
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