(Also check out this Complete Guide to Brooklyn's Beaches and Public Swimming Pools.
But don't despair, you can swim — and for free!
In addition to swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, locals and visitors can enjoy five outdoors, public, Olympic-sized pools in Brooklyn, open from the end of the public school year until Labor Day.
All are huge swimming pools. Williamsburg's McCarren Park Pool is the newest, re-opening after a renovation in 2012. Each large pool has a children’s wading pool as well as a men's and women's locker room facility.* Opening times vary.
Adult lap swimmers: Check the special early and late hours for lap-only swimmers at Sunset Park and Red Hook Pools.
5 Olympic-size Outdoor Pools in Brooklyn
- Betsy Head, Boyland, Livonia & Dumont Avenues, 718- 965-6581
- Kosciuszko Street Park Pool,, Kosciusko between Marcy and Dekalb Avenues, 718- 622-527
- Red Hook Park Pool, Bay and Henry Streets, 718- 722-3211
- Sunset Park Pool, Seventh Avenue between 41st & 44th Streets, 718- 965-6578
- McCarren Park Pool . Enter on Lorimer Street, between Driggs Avenue and Bayard Streets. (Get get directions.)
Things to Know about Swimming in NYC Public Pools
These are NYC public pools and there's a no-nonsense attitude. You must have a bathing suit and lock for your belongings. You may not bring glass or any food into the pool area. Only white t-shirts are allowed in the pool area. No floats are allowed. Children may not swim during adult lap swim.It's also seriously no-frills. No vendors operate in the pool areas so bring your own sunscreen. You must bring your own towel; none are available. Flip flops are strongly advised. See the New York City Park Department swimming pool website . for a full list of rules and regulations, and swimming lessons.
No ID is necessary to swim in a NYC pool.
Tip: Go early in the day. Especially on hot days, even these enormous pools can get very crowded.
*These are not Brooklyn's only public swimming pools, of course.
