ASTORIA — Swimming season is back.
New York City's free outdoor pools will open for the summer on Thursday, the day after public schools let out for the year.
All 53 outdoor pools across the five boroughs will open to swimmers starting at 11 a.m., and will now be equipped with dispensers filled with free SPF 50 sunscreen — part of a pilot program to help combat skin cancer that launched at the city's beaches last month.
The city's Olympic and intermediate-sized outdoor pools will also remain open for an extra week this summer for the second year in a row, closing on Sept. 10. The city's mini pools will close on Labor Day, according to the Parks Department.
Here's what else you need to know before hitting the water.
WHERE TO SWIM
There are free public pools in all five boroughs. Click here for full listings and check out a roundup of the public pools DNAinfo recommends.
HOURS
Outdoor pools will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a break between 3 and 4 p.m. for cleaning, according to the city's Parks Department.
Some locations also have early bird and night owl hours for lap swimmers.
WHAT TO BRING
Be sure to bring a sturdy lock for your valuables when you head to your local pool. They're required to enter, and luggage locks are not accepted.
WHAT NOT TO BRING
No food, glass bottles, electronics or newspapers are allowed in pool areas. The Parks department also recommends leaving credit cards, jewelry and other valuables at home.
FREE SWIM PROGRAMS
The city runs several free swimming programs for kids and adults during the summer and throughout the rest of the year:
• Summer Learn to Swim
• Youth Swim Team
• Lap Swimming
• Senior Splash
• Adapted Aquatics
