New York City offers a comprehensive range of swim programs designed to serve New Yorkers of all ages, abilities, and skill levels throughout the year. These programs provide opportunities for fitness, recreation, skill development, and competitive swimming across the city’s pool facilities.
The city operates two types of pool facilities:
- Free Outdoor Pools: Open during summer months across the city; Find free outdoor pools.
- Recreation Center Pools – Indoor pools offering year-round access with annual memberships costing $150 for adults, $25 for seniors, and free for anyone under age 25. Find Recreation Center Pools.
The city also provides the following swim programs:
- Learn to Swim – Free classes available for adults, children, and toddlers during fall, winter, spring, and summer seasons, focusing on basic swimming and safety skills.
- Adult Lap Swim – Dedicated swimming sessions for fitness-minded adults to maintain and improve health and fitness.
- Adaptive Swim – Specialized program for people with disabilities offering aquatic exercise therapy ranging from gentle water walking to aerobic exercise, plus swim instruction focused on basic swimming and safety skills.
- Swim Prep – Free program designed to prepare individuals for careers or summer employment in lifeguarding or water safety instruction.
- Adult and Senior Water Exercise – Free, modified indoor water exercise classes specifically designed for adults and seniors.
- Senior Splash – Water aerobics classes held during summer mornings at outdoor pools, providing stress-free workout opportunities for seniors.
- Youth Swim Team – Competitive program for children ages 6-18, developing swimming skills while teaching competitive strokes, starts, turns, and team sportsmanship concepts.
Visit NYC Park’s Swim Programs Page for complete information of the programs and Pools page to find swimming pools near you.
