Just in time for Memorial Day, all eight public beaches in New York City are now open. Here's what you need to know to best prepare for lying in the sun:
The entire Rockaway Boardwalk officially opens this weekend, after being battered by Hurricane Sandy. The parks department completed the final phase to rebuild the 5.5-mile wooden boardwalk between Beach 39th and Beach 19th streets last week.
The city's parks department is offering free sunscreen at dispensers on the beaches throughout the city. The sunscreen lotion will contain SPF 30.
On Long Island, six beaches are off limits for bathing due to high levels of bacteria.
The health department has a new text alert service for city beaches called "Know Before You Go," on weather and water conditions, and warnings. Text to 877877 to begin the free service.
