Capacity limits and social distancing measures have not kept people away from Long Island beaches this summer.

According to a spokesperson for the parks department, attendance at Long Island state parks was up 20% this year.

Many weekends, parking lots and beaches were forced to closed as they reached capacity restrictions.

All fees to enter state parks were also waived from March 16 to June 6.

A total of around 24.4 million visitors came to Long Island state parks this year. That is 4 million more than usual.

Robin Bauer traveled all the way from Westchester to enjoy Jones Beach. She says the long drive is worth it to escape some of the hardship 2020 has brought.

"I'm trying to forget about how horrible the rest of the world is and just focus on a beautiful day," Bauer says.

She adds that she's gone to the beach more often this year than in the past.

Bauer is not alone in that—state parks officials say attendance really skyrocketed once summer started because people found the beach and parks to be places where they could practice social distancing safely.

Long Island State Parks spokesperson George Gorman says, "People just came out, it's a healthy alternative, get outside, be socially distanced and just enjoy the fresh air. And that's what we're able to provide all of our park visitors. It's an oasis for the public."

Nassau's Nickerson Beach more than doubled its attendance over last year. In Suffolk, Smith Point saw fewer visitors – but two other beaches had large increases.

Lifeguards will remain on duty at state parks and beaches until next Sunday.