NYC adding extra manpower to keep beachgoers safe during heat advisories

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The city is raising awareness of the dangers of swimming unattended and adding extra staffing for more hours at city beaches. 66 additional lifeguards and a skeleton response staff were deployed until 8 p.m. across the five boroughs, including on Coney Island. The guards are in response areas spread out along the shoreline. These changes will be put to use in event of any heat advisory the city experiences, according to the mayor's office. "They'll stay there," said deputy mayor Meera Joshi. "Not on the chairs, because they don't want to give the false impression that the beaches are open and that it's safe to swim." The move comes after an uptick in water rescues that have been taking place after lifeguards end their shifts at the usual 6 p.m. time. However, residents are not convinced that this is the right change to make a difference. "Once the sun goes down and the lifeguards leave- I feel the kids are still going to do what they are going to do," said resident Reemo McKinney. Other residents like Lafayette Green tell News 12 they think it will be beneficial from those coming in from across the city who aren't familiar with the beach. New York City says they're pushing for hiring of regular lifeguards to operate during regular business hours. "