BUFFALO, N.Y. — Mayor Sean Ryan today announced that the City of Buffalo will open six public pools this summer, providing free swim lessons to 300 children, adding time for passive programming at every pool, and introducing new measures designed to create a safer, more enjoyable experience for Buffalo residents and families.
The pools will open beginning on July 1 and will operate through September 7. The outdoor pools (Centennial, JFK, Kensington, Masten and Riverside) will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. five days per week, including one weekend day each. The indoor Connors, Kait, Harrity Memorial Pool at Cazenovia Park will be open Monday through Friday. In total, five pools are scheduled to be open every weekday, with three pools open on Saturdays and two pools open on Sundays. All 10 City splash pads will operate seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., through the summer season (weather dependent).
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“Our goal was simple: open as many pools as possible and make them destinations for families throughout the summer,” Mayor Sean Ryan said. “We’re not just opening pools. We’re creating safe, welcoming spaces where residents can swim, learn, exercise, and spend time together in their neighborhoods.”
The expanded pool programming is highlighted by a new partnership with the City Swim Project to provide free swim lessons to 300 Buffalo children ages 4 to 14 this summer, with classes at the JFK, Kensington, Masten and Riverside pools. The program is being funded through a $50,000 New York State grant secured by Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to swim, regardless of their family’s income or background. That's why I was proud to secure $50,000 in state funding to support this partnership between the City of Buffalo and the City Swim Project,” Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said. “These free swim lessons will help hundreds of Buffalo children build confidence, develop a lifelong skill, and stay safe around the water. I want to thank Mayor Sean Ryan and all of our community partners for working together to expand access to recreation and create more opportunities for Buffalo families this summer.”
“The City Swim Project is grateful for the opportunity to serve the City of Buffalo and help more children gain access to swim education,” said Mike Switalski, executive director of City Swim Project. “We thank Mayor Sean Ryan and Assemblymember Jon Rivera for their leadership and support in making this possible. We look forward to helping Buffalo’s youth develop these important skills—and perhaps inspiring some of the city’s future lifeguards along the way.”
For the first time, the city will also block out time for passive programming at every public pool throughout the summer season. Under this initiative, time and space in the pool will be reserved for self-directed activities including lap swim, senior swim, family swim, teen swim, and "Me and My Grown Up" sessions designed for young children and their caregivers. This will help ensure that pools can serve residents of all ages and abilities and provide opportunities for recreation beyond traditional open swim hours. Additional pop-up programming events will be announced in the coming weeks.
“We’re excited to expand programming at our pools this summer, especially swim lessons,” Deputy Mayor Maria Whyte said. “Learning to swim is a lifelong skill that promotes health, builds confidence, and can save lives. Growing up in a city on the shores of Lake Erie, every child should have the opportunity to feel safe and comfortable around the water. These lessons will help young people develop skills they can use for the rest of their lives.”
In addition to expanded programming, the city is implementing new measures to improve pool safety for the 2026 season, including additional security personnel to support pool staff and help ensure a positive environment for swimmers and families.
The city is also implementing a new free pool ID program to help staff better manage facilities, improve safety and accountability, and ensure city resources are directed where they are most needed. Beginning this summer, all residents wishing to use city pools will be required to obtain a free digital pool ID. Residents can register online or in person at any pool location with proof of identification. A series of pop-up registration events throughout Buffalo will be announced in the coming days to educate residents about the new system and help them register. Children under 18 must be registered by a parent or guardian.
