Surfers arrived at Rockaway Beach to find towering, 10-foot waves generated by a nor’easter. Their overnight journey paid off as the water was pristine, offering an unforgettable experience that some described as “floating between mountains.”

As New York City opens its beaches for the season, a significant lifeguard shortage leaves the shores with only 280 lifeguards—far fewer than needed amid an ongoing staffing crisis. Officials anticipate more lifeguards will join by the peak of summer, but concerns remain over beach safety during the early weeks of the season.