Long Islanders soak up the last of the summer at Jones Beach
A picture-perfect day on the island brought out crowds.
People flocked to Jones Beach Monday to say goodbye to summer.
"It was kind of one of those last-minute things where the weather was too perfect, too gorgeous not to come out," Williston Park resident Bernadette Zayas said. "We weren't really planning on even being here, but took advantage."
Canopies lined the shoreline with people soaking up a few rays, splashing in the ocean and taking a stroll or bike ride along the boardwalk as a cooling breeze flowed across the area.
Roosevelt Middle School teacher Kristine Washington was enjoying the afternoon and reminisced about her summer before heading back to the classroom tomorrow.
"This is the last day for me at the beach this year," she said. "It was just relaxing, spending time with family and friends."
The Jones Beach boardwalk will remain open from sunrise to sunset, but the actual swimming and beach season will wind down later this month with very limited September lifeguard hours.
The summer isn't over for everyone, though.
The towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay announced extended hours at town beaches and pools into September.
In Hempstead, Echo Park outdoor pool will remain open on weekends through Sept. 27
Sands Senior pool will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. through Sept. 25
Baldwin Park, Coes Neck Park, Elmont Park, Seamans Neck Park and Shell Creek Park will be open daily through Sept. 27
Bluegrass Lane Pool splash pad will be open weekends from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Point Lookout, Lido Beach, Lido West and Malibu Shore Club will be open weekends from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
In Oyster Bay, Tobay Beach will be open every weekend the rest of September with lifeguards on duty.
