Queens, New York City – Two individuals were spotted taking an unauthorized swim in a public pool at Astoria Park, Queens, despite city regulations prohibiting such activity until June 27. The duo, wearing tank tops and shorts, were captured by a New York Post photographer enjoying the water ahead of schedule.
At the time of the incident, the pool was already filled with water earlier than expected due to ongoing construction work, as confirmed by a source from the Department of Parks and Recreation. Despite recent beach openings for supervised swimming from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the individuals decided to take a dip in the closed Astoria Park Pool.
Authorities highlighted the importance of following safety guidelines and only swimming during operating hours with lifeguards on duty. The absence of a lifeguard while the two individuals indulged in their unauthorized swim raised concerns about potential risks associated with unsupervised activities in public pools.
One of the individuals was even photographed climbing over a black metal fence to gain entry into the closed pool area, suggesting a blatant disregard for rules and regulations. However, the police reported no incidents of trespassing at the public pool despite the unauthorized swim.
As New Yorkers eagerly await the official opening of all 91 city pools on June 27, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to regulations and safety protocols to ensure a smooth and enjoyable summer swimming season. The Department of Parks and Recreation continues to monitor public pool areas to prevent any further unauthorized access or unsupervised activities.
In the meantime, beachgoers can enjoy the ongoing supervised swimming sessions until September 8, providing a safer alternative to cooling off during the hot summer days. As the city prepares for the summer season, it is crucial for visitors to follow all guidelines and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at public pools and recreational facilities across New York City.