NYC Parks is bringing back its popular and completely free summer Learn to Swim program for tots and children at our local outdoor pools. Knowing how to swim is a valuable skill that improves health, fitness, and water safety. Here is everything you need to know about the Summer 2026 registration dates, how the lottery works, and where your kids can learn to swim in Brooklyn.
Free Learn to Swim programs
NYC Parks offers free swimming lessons for tots (ages 1 ½ to 5, with a guardian) and children (ages 6-17) at outdoor pools across the city during the summer months.
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Tots become familiar with the water and comfortable floating or holding their breath.
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Children are offered a variety of classes, ranging from basic water safety and swimming skills to more advanced techniques.
How to sign up (The Lottery)
Before you apply, keep these rules in mind:
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Choose only one class: You can register for one class per person. Registering more than once will not increase your chances of being selected.
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Register each child separately: If you have multiple children interested, submit a separate entry for each child.
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Confirm quickly: If selected, you have 3 days after the lottery closes to confirm your spot online. Spots are strictly non-transferable.
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Attendance matters: Any swimmer who misses two classes in a row will be dropped and replaced by someone from the waitlist.
Summer 2026 Session Dates
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Session I: July 6 – July 21 (Lottery ends Friday, June 26)
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Session II: July 22 – August 6 (Lottery ends Wednesday, July 8)
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Session III: August 7 – August 21 (Lottery ends Friday, July 24)
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Advanced Child Learn to Swim: August 24 – August 28 (Lottery ends Thursday, August 20)
Pools in our Brooklyn neighborhoods
Five major outdoor public pools across Brooklyn are hosting classes this summer. Class times typically run hourly in the mornings and early afternoons, starting anywhere from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. depending on the location.
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Kosciuszko Pool | Bed-Stuy (Hosts Levels 1, 2, Parent & Tots, and Advanced Levels 2–4)
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McCarren Pool | Williamsburg (Hosts Levels 1, 2, Parent & Tots, and Advanced Levels 3–5)
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Sunset Pool | Sunset Park (Hosts Levels 1, 2, Parent & Tots, and Advanced Levels 3–5)
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Bushwick Pool | Bushwick Playground (Hosts Levels 1, 2, Parent & Tots, and Advanced Levels 3–5)
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Betsy Head Pool | Brownsville Field House (Hosts Levels 1, 2, Parent & Tots, and Advanced Levels 3–5)
Check the NYC Parks Learn to Swim portal starting June 12 to filter by Brooklyn locations, find a schedule that works for you, and enter the lottery.
