Empire State Review Team 
With another heatwave forecasted for the coming week, New York City announced today that it will extend the season for public pools through mid-September. The extension, initially planned to end on Labor Day, is intended to provide residents with additional opportunities to cool off as temperatures remain high.
The announcement was made by Mayor Eric Adams and Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue at the McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn. “Keeping our pools open longer is a simple but impactful way to ensure New Yorkers have a safe place to beat the heat,” Adams said.
The city also plans to expand free swim lessons for children during the extended season, addressing a long-standing need for water safety education. “Drowning is preventable, and these lessons can save lives,” said Donoghue.
Residents welcomed the news, particularly in neighborhoods with limited access to other cooling resources. “This is a great relief, especially for families like mine who rely on the pool during these hot days,” said Jasmine Lee, a mother of two from the Bronx.
The Parks Department has hired additional lifeguards to accommodate the extended schedule, thanks to a recent recruitment drive that attracted over 200 new hires. The extension is part of the city’s broader Heat Emergency Plan, which also includes expanded cooling centers and hydration stations.
