New York City’s outdoor pools have officially opened for the summer, and just in time, as temperatures are expected to reach into the 80s today.
All outdoor pools are open from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., with a one hour break for cleaning, according to city officials.
But those looking to take part in some of the city’s outdoor swim instruction programs are out of luck this year.
“Due to the national lifeguard shortage, unfortunately we will not be hosting swim programs, including lap swim, senior swim, and Learn to Swim, at our outdoor pools this summer,” the Parks Department announced in mid-June.
Additionally, sources say staffing shortages may result in limited capacity at larger pools on some days, and in a worst case scenario, closing some pools entirely on certain days.
“At this time, we don’t have plans to close any pools permanently due to staffing,” a source told NY1.
Outdoor pools will be open until Sunday, September 11.
Two of the city’s 53 outdoor pools will be closed this season — Tony Dapolito Pool and Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Pool) in Central Park — due to active construction, according to city officials.
The other 51 are now open to the public.
You can find a place to cool off near you by going here.