[Freeport]

"During the initial test, the first stage will continue on a ballistic arc and execute a velocity reduction burn to cushion its re-entry into the atmosphere, the SpaceX chief said. Just before splashdown, the rocket will light up its engines again."

Ouch... Not good for the hot section parts. Since the bell nozzles are ablative, they would be replaced anyway, but when the hot combustors hit that salt water... Ouch...

[Vince Ferrer]

I don’t think they will be recovering the stages from the water for reuse in these flights. They just want to reduce the speed down to near zero before it hits the water..