Stay Cool & Safe This Summer 

We want you to stay safe while staying cool! Here are some tips to help you enjoy our city's waterfront and pools safely.

Beach and Pool Information

Beaches open for swimming on Memorial Day Weekend. During beach season, lifeguards are on duty daily, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Swimming is prohibited in closed sections or whenever lifeguards are not on duty. Closed sections are marked with signs and/or red flags. All of our beaches are free and open to the public.

Outdoor swimming pools are open each year from late June through early September. Head to our free summer outdoor pools and become a recreation center member to give our indoor pools a try!

Additional Cooling Locations

You can also beat the heat this summer by finding places to stay cool and hydrated. Visit our Cool It! NYC map to find spray showers, misting stations, drinking fountains, and cool spaces throughout the city.

Visit NYC Health’s Extreme Heat page to learn more about how you can stay safe and beat the heat.

Water Safety Tips

1) Lifeguards Keep Us Safe, So Only Swim When They are Around

Lifeguards are there to protect you, so only swim when and where lifeguards are on duty. A drowning can happen in seconds. It’s important to follow their directions, and always swim with a buddy, friend, or parent.  Never leave children unattended near water, even when lifeguards are on duty.

2) Avoid Unnecessary Risks

Swimming in restricted areas or when lifeguards are off-duty isn’t worth the risk. Be cautious of deep water and go wading only where swimming is permitted. The first time you enter the water, ease in or walk in — do not jump or dive. Be careful not to swim while you are tired, cold, or far from safety, and never use alcohol while swimming, boating, or supervising children near water.

3) Keep an Eye on the Weather

When at the beach, pool, or park this summer, wear sunscreen, drink plenty of fluids, and wear light and loose-fitting clothing to stay cool. If you are in the water or on the beach and there is thunder or lightning, follow directions of lifeguards and beach staff and seek shelter in a building or vehicle.

Rip Currents

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins, jetties and piers. All beachgoers should only swim in areas monitored by lifeguards, closely heed the instructions of lifeguards, and pay attention to any flags and posted signs.

If you become caught in a rip current, don’t panic. Try to remain calm and begin to swim parallel to shore.  Once away from the force of the rip current, you can swim back to the beach.  Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current - even a strong swimmer can become exhausted quickly.

To learn more about rip currents, read safety tips and information provided by the National Weather Service.

For kid friendly water safety tips and videos, check out Longfellow's Whale Tales Resources by American Red Cross.