State parks to offer extended hours at swimming sites

Heat advisories in effect from Thursday morning through Friday evening

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will offer extended hours at state swimming facilities during the current heat wave as a way to help New Yorkers beat the heat. The extended hours will begin Thursday and continue through Saturday at select locations. This follows the governor's announcement of forecasted dangerous heat and high heat indices throughout the state.

"Extreme heat is forecast for the entire state Thursday through Saturday, with heat indices expected to reach the 100s in some areas," Hochul said. "Visiting our beautiful state beaches, pools and parks is one of the best ways way to cool off during this upcoming period of extreme heat, and we will be offering extended hours at sites across New York."

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "There's no better place to be on a hot summer day than one of our great state parks. I'm pleased our state parks are able to offer more time for New York families to cool off during this period of extreme heat."

Locally, the following swimming facilities will be open for extended hours:

√ Fort Niagara State Park: Extended swimming until 7:45 p.m. Thursday and Friday

√ Beaver Island State Park: Extended swimming until 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday

√ Allegany State Park (Red House and Quaker): Extended swimming at both beaches until 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday

Swimming may be affected by hazardous weather – severe thunderstorms are possible on Thursday – staffing or changing water conditions. Check parks.ny.gov or call a park directly to confirm availability.