Thousands of NYC kids can officially get free swimming lessons this summer—registration is open now, but only for a limited time

The NYC Parks Department is once again offering free swimming lessons for kids at outdoor pools across all five boroughs this summer—here's how to enter the lottery before the deadline.

Sydney Hargrove

– Junior Staff Writer

· July 13, 2026

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After months of anticipation, all of NYC’s massive FREE outdoor pools are officially reopening this Saturday—featuring a floating river barge, massive Olympic-sized lanes, 330-foot historic oases & more

‘It feels like another world’ — The longest river tubing adventure near NYC is officially open for the summer season

With temperatures climbing, there’s no better way to cool off than at one of NYC’s free public pools or beaches.

But before little New Yorker’s dive into summer fun, knowing how to swim is one of the most important safety skills they can have.

That’s why the city is once again offering free swimming lessons for thousands of children this summer—and registration is officially open now. If you’ve been hoping to sign your child up, you’ll want to act quickly before spots fill up.

How to register for NYC’s free swim lessons

Registration is now open for the next session of free swim lessons, which will run August 7 through August 21 at outdoor pools across the five boroughs.

Rather than first come, first served, spots are awarded through a random lottery, giving every eligible child an equal chance of being selected. Registration closes on Friday, July 24.

Families selected through the lottery will have three days to confirm their child’s spot once results are announced. Children who aren’t selected will automatically be placed on a waiting list, and any openings created by cancellations or no-shows will be filled from that list.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 27: People swim at the Astoria Pool on the opening day of New York City's public swimming pools in the borough of Queens on June 27, 2024 in New York City. Hundreds of children, teens, and adults arrived to swim in the largest pool in New York City which re-opened after two years of renovations. The Astoria pool, which measures 330 by 165 feet and is the largest of the eleven WPA-era pools, was opened on July 2, 1936. The pool sees over 3,000 people on a typical summer weekday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) — Getty Images / Spencer Platt

Outdoor pools offering free swim lessons

This summer’s session will be offered at 15 outdoor pools throughout New York City:

The Bronx

Brooklyn

Manhattan

Queens

Staten Island

When is the deadline?

Applications for the August session must be submitted by Friday, July 24. If you’re hoping to enroll your child, it’s worth registering as soon as possible. For more information, see the program’s official page.

Happy swimming, NYC!