Beachgoers flocking to Coney Island ahead of Memorial Day

CONEY ISLAND, Brooklyn (PIX11) -- As sunshine and laughter filled the beach and boardwalk, visitors were soaking up the early summer vibes at Coney Island on Wednesday ahead of the Memorial Day weekend crowds.

Rich Kiebala, visiting from Chicago, was eager to experience Coney Island for the first time with his family on vacation. "We're here on vacation from Chicago," Kiebala said. "We have our family visiting and we wanted to spend the day at Coney Island today."

Though the beach doesn't officially open until Memorial Day weekend, the warm weather made for an ideal early visit, according to Kiebala. "The weather is perfect right now. It's nice and warm, not too hot. The water's a bit cold, but the sunlight is nice."

While the water temperature may have been a bit chilly still, the iconic boardwalk was pulsing with energy from visitors enjoying the rides, games, and food vendors.

"My favorite part here is the fireworks that we usually get all the time, and if it's not the fireworks, I like riding my bike on here," said one excited visitor.

"The Coney Island rides, I usually go on the rides that go upside down," added another thrill-seeker.

For Christine Patz, visiting from the often overcast skies of Pennsylvania, the sunny scene at Coney Island was a refreshing change of pace. "It's beautiful, first time here. We're from Pennsylvania and it's usually quite gray, so this is nice to see the sunshine."

Though lifeguards will not be on duty until beaches officially open citywide on Memorial Day weekend, the boardwalk was alive with visitors soaking up the infectious energy.

"Calm water and the beautiful view," Kiebala remarked, summing up the appeal of getting a head start on summer at the iconic Brooklyn destination.

When swimming does open up for the season on May 25, lifeguards will be on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day to ensure a safe and fun experience at Coney Island Beach.