New York City's free outdoor pools officially open for summer 2026
New York City's free outdoor pools officially opened for the season Saturday.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and members of the NYC Parks Department kicked off the weekend with a splash and jumped into Thomas Jefferson Pool in East Harlem to celebrate the opening. The mayor did so in a full suit and socks.
What to know about NYC pools
Over 50 outdoor public pools across the five boroughs will open daily from 11 a.m-7 p.m. through Sept. 13. The pools close daily from 3 p.m.-4 p.m. for mandatory cleaning.
Brooklyn's Red Hook Pool is remaining closed due to equipment damage, but the city hopes to have it open before the end of July.
Swimsuits are required at all public pools and visitors must bring a lock to keep their belongings safe in locker rooms. Food, phones and glass bottles are not allowed.
The city is expanding services and programs at public pools this year, officials said. Morning adult lap swim is now available at 10 pools across the five boroughs and senior water aerobics are making a return citywide. The free Learn to Swim program will now have classes at 18 outdoor pools.
Last summer saw a 27% increase in new lifeguard recruits for pools and beaches, the city said, which is good news considering the lifeguard shortages in years prior.
Mamdani previously spoke about the importance of having enough lifeguards.
"Because more lifeguards means kids learning how to swim, adults getting in laps in the morning, and everyone having a better, safer, and more fun summer by the water," the mayor said.
Click here for more information about NYC's free outdoor pools.
School kids ready for summer break
Saturday's rainy weather didn't deter families from taking a dip.
"I'm already wet in the pool," swimmer Amy Muzo said.
The weekend was also the beginning of summer break for kids.
"The summer started, and I'm so happy," swimmer Deon Robinson said. "I finally get to have fun with my family.
"I don't have to worry about homework. I get to spend time here," Amy said.
Young swimmers Michelle and Precious said they were kind of scared when they first started swimming, but they're not anymore.
"Because we got better and better any time we practiced," Precious said.
"I love the waters, but I don't know how to swim," grandmother Brenda said. "So I want to make sure that my grandchildren learn how to swim."
Eleven of the city's pools are celebrated 90 years in operation this year, showing that a free day in the water is a timeless joy.
More than 1 million people visited city pools last summer, according to the Parks Department, as New Yorkers looked for ways to beat the heat on hot summer days.
