New Yorkers are flocking to the beach for the Labor Day weekend, but this year, the holiday isn't marking the end of the sun and sand season. NY1’s Erin Clarke has the story from Coney Island. 

They were up bright and early.

"We got her around 6 a.m. for the sunrise," said one man.

"We came out here as early as possible. At 7 something," said another.

Got the perfect spot to scoop up some sand for a castle, soak up the sun and splash around.

"The water's beautiful. I expected it to be colder, but I was just swimming in there, so it's real nice," said one man.

Enjoying the final beach weekend of the summer, or so they thought.

"Thanks to the new budget, New Yorkers are going to be able to enjoy an extended beach season this year. New York City beaches throughout the five boroughs will be open an extra week," said Jeffrey Sigadel, Parks Deputy Chief of Operations in Brooklyn.

That's right, beach bums. All but Cedar Grove and Wolfe’s Pond beaches on Staten Island will stay open until September 13.

Before this year, all nine public beaches in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island closed on Labor Day.

"That's good, because we wanted to do more of the beach time this time, and they said no it's going be closed, and I said no it won't be closed, so I'm so happy," said one woman.

"That's a very smart idea. The beach is going to be packed," one young man said.

The extended season is being celebrated by more than just beach-goers.

It's something business owners along the Coney Island boardwalk are also looking forward to, especially since a cool June got the summer off to a slow start.

"We are so ready. I'm bringing in tons of new merchandise, and we're just going to keep going and keep the summer going," said Lola Star, owner of the Lola Star Souvenir Boutique.

With the forecast for the work week showing temperatures in the high 80s and even 90, the extra opportunity to take a dip will certainly be welcome.

For more information visit nycgovparks.org.