QUEENS, N.Y. - The boardwalk in the Rockaways was still a lively place this memorial day despite the pandemic. But the crowds were kept in check.  People we saw were following the guidelines from officials to stay safe and help stop the spread of coronavirus by keeping their distance.

Still, many people we spoke with said Memorial Day during this outbreak just wasn’t the same.

“You can’t shake hands with nobody. You can’t have barbecues or huge gatherings like we usually do. Just feels strange,” Beach goer Angel said.

This holiday weekend, swimming was off-limits at city beaches. Despite the warnings and posted red flags, a 24-year-old drowned off Rockaway Beach on Friday.

NYPD and Parks Department personnel were at beaches throughout the weekend to educate people about social distancing. Reminders were posted to make sure the people wore their face coverings.

People on the boardwalk we spoke with said it felt good to get out and get some fresh air.

“You know, I was pretty surprised. People seem pretty far apart. It’s nice to see,” Fisherman Mark Fried said.

Joshua Jimenez went on a walk with his family. And he says even though it felt strange to be walking around in a mask, he says it’s what we all have to do.

“I’ve been seeing some people wearing masks and some people not. It’s something where education helps too. Taking care of yourself and others too,” Jimenez said.

Queens resident Olive said she just wanted to spend Memorial day taking it easy.

“We can keep our distance and still have serenity,” Olive said.

She was thankful to our veterans for putting their lives on the line to preserve our freedom.

“I really appreciate them. God bless them,” Olive said.

She says it’s important as the warm weather approaches for people to stay in lockstep, so the city can get on its way to reopening.

“I think the mayor and the governor are very wise to know exactly what’s going on before they start reopening. We have come a long way," Olive said.

As far as the future for beaches this summer, the city lawmakers are stepping up measures at beaches proposing beach bathrooms must always be stocked with sanitizers and soap. And the MTA is reminding people that only essential workers should be taking mass transit at this time. More bike lanes are being proposed to give beach-goers another way to travel.