Recovery for All: Mayor de Blasio Announces New York City's Public Beaches and Pools to Open on Time for Swimming This Year

April 7, 2021

Beaches to open to the public Memorial Day Weekend; Pools to open after last day of school

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that the City’s outdoor pools and eight public beaches will open on time for the season. Beaches will open on Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 29, and outdoor pools across the city will open the day after the last day of school on Saturday, June 26. Openings will follow heath guidance on COVID and safety protocols.

“Summer is right around the corner, and we’re gearing up for an on-time pool and beach season,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “These beautiful outdoor spaces mean so much to New Yorkers, especially after the year we’ve all had. We’ll continue to follow health guidance to ensure the safety of everyone. Stay cool, stay safe and have fun!”

"I thank Mayor de Blasio and the NYC Parks Commissioner for opening city beaches and pools on time this season," said Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn. "Although the fight against the COVID-19 virus is not over, this is a positive reminder of how far we have come. Swimming is a great way for kids and adults to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle and I look forward to the timely reopening of beaches and pools this season!"

"During a pandemic it is so important to have open space for the community. Pools and beaches are a critical piece of that infrastructure. I'm looking forward to them being open so that my community and I can use them this summer," said Assembly Member Harvey Epstein.

“Get ready to make a splash this summer, New York! After last year’s unprecedented challenges, we are so excited to announce that our outdoor pools and beaches will be opening on time this season,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP.  “We want all New Yorkers to stay cool while keeping safety first. Remember to only enter the water in designated areas during lifeguard hours and continue following health and safety guidelines.”

Beaches

City beaches span a total of 14 miles and include Orchard Beach in the Bronx; Coney Island and Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn; Rockaway Beach in Queens; and Midland Beach, South Beach, Cedar Grove Beach, and Wolfe's Pond Park Beach on Staten Island. Starting Memorial Day Weekend, lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Swimming is unsafe and strictly prohibited at all other times. 

Water safety is a top priority for NYC Parks and it urges New Yorkers – regardless of swimming ability – to be cautious and alert in and around water bodies. Beachgoers must follow all directions and safety guidelines from Parks staff and posted beach signage. 

Pools

On June 26, NYC Parks plans to open outdoor pools in all five boroughs, welcoming pool goers from across the city. All standard pool protocols will apply, and open swim hours will remain the same: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Five of the City’s 53 outdoor pools will be closed due to active reconstruction projects.

Additional details on health and safety protocols will be shared in the coming weeks. For more information on pools and beaches this summer, visit nyc.gov/parks.

“Our city is slowly emerging from a very long year and the on-time opening of our beaches and pools is a sure sign of our continuing recovery,” said Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz.“We all still need to exercise caution, but we know that this summer will once again be filled with the energy and excitement that make our city’s pools and beaches great.”

"Our pools and public beaches are hallmarks of the summer in the city. Reopening these cherished spaces will give New Yorkers a long-awaited opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and public facilities of our city," said Council Member Peter Koo.

"It's great to know that our public beaches and pools will open on time.  The past year has been extremely stressful.  New Yorkers, especially those in black and brown communities, have had myriad challenges added to already often difficult living situations because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Being able to get outside, be in sunlight, swim and just enjoy the beach or a pool is good for both physical and mental health.  Here in the Bronx, the opening of Orchard Beach, which draws people from all parts of the borough is especially welcome news," said Council Member Fernando Cabrera.

"After an unprecedented 2020 summer in New York City, we have a bright season ahead for families to come together safely with loved ones. Access to Fisher pool in East Elmhurst and other outdoor pools and public beaches starting Memorial Day weekend will support families in adjusting to a new normal while staying active and cool on hot summer days," said Council Member Francisco Moya.