City pools open just in time for heat wave

The city of Philadelphia is ready to make waves this summer — all 60 available outdoor public pools will open on a rolling basis.

“It takes months of preparation across city departments to get our beloved public pools ready for a summer of fun,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker in a statement. “I’m grateful, in particular, to all of the Parks & Rec staff who recruited and hired lifeguards and pool staff; painted and fixed pools; and ensured they are welcoming for deserving residents.”

Approximately 350 lifeguards and 305 pool maintenance attendants will staff pools this summer, allowing the city to safely open all available outdoor public pools despite an ongoing national lifeguard shortage.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to safely cool down during the hottest months, no matter what zip code they live in,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson. “For many Philadelphians, city pools are their summer vacation, and I’m proud that Parks & Rec is on track to open every available pool this summer. Thank you, Philadelphia, for stepping up and giving back as lifeguards and pool maintenance attendants.”

All public pools will once again host mandatory swim lessons for Parks & Rec’s 6,000 summer campers. Free swim lessons will also be available for children, and select pools will offer swim lessons for adults.

“This summer, we are shaping the future lifeguards of Philadelphia by requiring mandatory swim lessons for our campers and offering free swim lessons for children,” said AnneMarie Dunne, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s Deputy Commissioner of Programs. “We are also offering aquatics programming that includes adult fitness classes, thanks to support from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. There’s something for Philadelphians of all ages to enjoy at their local pool.”

The first pool opening took place Monday at Chew Playground pool on Washington Avenue. Hunting Park Pool (900 Hunting Park Ave.) and Scanlon Pool (1099 E. Tioga St.) both officially opened for summer on Monday as well.

The pool opening schedule for the week of June 17-23 is listed below. Subsequent pool openings will be added to phila.gov/ppr. Ten pools will not open this summer, due to ongoing Rebuild project construction or necessary capital repairs: Amos Pool, Baker Pool, CB Moore Pool, Cohen (Hillside) Pool, Cohox Pool, F.J. Myers Pool, Kingsessing Pool, McVeigh Pool, Sample Pool, and Ziehler Pool.

Pool rules are available online. Parents and caregivers are responsible for watching their children in the pool deck. Any child under the age of eight must be within arms reach of their parent or guardian at all times when in the water.

Information about pool hours and swim lessons can be found on the Parks & Rec Finder App.