Beaches in the Town of Hempstead are gearing up to reopen for the season with lifeguards.

The town planted hundreds of palm trees and tropical plants to welcome residents to Malibu Beach. Officials say the trees symbolize reopening as life gets back to normal from COVID-19.

"Friends we want you to come, we want you to enjoy yourself, we want you to be safe," says town Supervisor Donald Clavin. "We can all do it and the excitement level is there. There's no way around it, people want to get out. But they aren't going to go far. This is the year of the staycation."

Beaches will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lifeguards will be on duty beginning Saturday.