Public pools across Long Island are beginning to open up just in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Hempstead officials held a news conference Thursday at which they said social distancing measures will be in place and masks must be worn around the pools but not in them.

“You can't get a mask wet. It becomes useless,” says Dr. Adhi Sharma, of Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital.

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Dr. Sharma says although the chlorine in pool water kills the virus, the danger comes from close encounters.

"When you're in a pool, you're having fun and you are laughing and that aerosolizes the virus. If you are in proximity of that, you are at risk,” he says.

The kiddie pool at Hewlett Point Park is popular, but parents who spoke to News 12 had mixed reactions about letting their kids play in the pool.

"I don't think I would bring my daughter into the public pool…I would let her run around in the sprinklers, but I don't feel comfortable with public pools just yet," said one parent.

Those who are hitting the pools should keep in mind that many Long Island locations are opening with only 50% capacity, no chairs are being provided, the locker rooms are closed, and reservations are needed.

Most bathrooms will be opened and sanitized.