Pool Safety Tips for Summer

Swimming can be a great way to exercise, cool off on a hot day, or have some fun with your family. Lucky for New Yorkers, the city is full of free outdoor pools that open in the summer. Find one near you here!

Most public pools are open daily from 11am–7pm until Labor Day. Before you head out to swim, check out these safety tips to help you and your family have a healthy, fun-filled summer!

Always:

• Know how to swim before you get in the water. If you or someone you know wants to learn how, sign up for a Learn to Swim class offered by NYC Parks
• Protect yourself and your children from harmful sunrays by using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying every two hours or as directed (learn more about how to stay safe from UV rays with our Sun Safety Quiz)
• Make sure a lifeguard is on duty before you start to swim

Never:

• Let children run near the pool, since surfaces may be slippery and falls can be dangerous
• Dunk children who are under the age of three. Small children can swallow harmful amounts of water, and dunking can scare children who are learning to swim
• Let children swim unsupervised

Get more pool safety tips below!

If you live in New York City or Long Island and want more information about our health plans, please click here.