In this era of scorching heat domes and record-breaking global temperatures, finding a place to cool down has become increasingly crucial. You can choose to go to a movie or a museum, but that would require purchasing a ticket. An air-conditioned bar may seem like a good option, but if you have kids who also need relief from the heat, it becomes less feasible. Alternatively, you could just stay at home and crank up your own air conditioner, but that can be quite lonely and unsatisfying.
However, there exists a much better way to beat the heat without the need for air-conditioning or spending money: public pools in America. These pools offer cool water, fresh air, opportunities for exercise, and gatherings of people of all ages. In a time of rising temperatures and social isolation, public pools truly provide a blessing.
In the heart of Manhattan, where I reside, we are fortunate to have several outdoor pools amidst the sweltering concrete jungle. We owe this to individuals like Robert Moses, the urban planner who played a pivotal role in establishing public pools in New York City. Moses staunchly advocated for public swimming, recognizing its significant influence on the health, happiness, efficiency, and orderliness of residents, particularly during the summer months.
Swimming is not only enjoyable, but it also offers vital physical and mental health benefits. This summer, one of the most important advantages is how quickly immersing yourself in cold water can lower your body temperature on a hot day. Swimming serves as excellent aerobic exercise and is gentle on the joints compared to other activities that elevate heart rate. Engaging in aerobic activity reduces stress, and multiple studies have shown that swimming, in particular, can improve mood. Research indicates that swimming in cold ocean water can reduce feelings of depression up to 10 times more effectively than simply observing from the beach. Additionally, a case study revealed that a woman with treatment-resistant depression experienced significant symptom improvement after swimming in open water weekly.
I have been a swim enthusiast since childhood when my father taught me how to swim. Even now, whenever I find myself in a bad mood, I instinctively seek out the water. I always believed that the mood-boosting effects of swimming were solely due to the exercise and the subsequent release of endorphins in my brain. However, it appears that studies linking swimming to improved mood often involve swimming in the company of others. Perhaps the social interaction is an integral part of its magic.
During the early stages of the pandemic, when life came to a standstill, the indoor pool I usually frequented implemented stringent rules. Reservations were mandatory, and only two people were allowed per lane. It should have been a swimmer’s dream—a crowd-free environment with a guaranteed lane. However, to my surprise, the experience lacked pleasure.
It took me until a hot evening this summer when I returned to Hamilton Fish, my favorite public pool in New York, to understand why. This expansive and enticing pool is surrounded by trees, stunning pavilions from the early 20th century, and a plaza where people relax. When the pools reopened during the initial year of the pandemic, the city temporarily suspended adult-only hours at outdoor pools, opting for free and spirited swimming instead. When I visited, children were gleefully shrieking, playing around, and splashing everyone in sight. A few committed swimmers were desperately searching for a lane, but I happily paddled around with the kids, reveling in the cool water.
After finally finding a lane for my laps, a group of children approached me, eager to learn how to perform a flip turn. We had an absolute blast practicing somersaults in the water. At closing time, when lifeguards reluctantly cleared the pool, I stood under the refreshing outdoor shower, surrounded by fellow swimmers, struck by the unique intimacy of the moment. Here we were, complete strangers, representing a diverse collection of humanity, standing together half-naked and joyously having fun. Everyone got along.
That is the essence of a public pool—the ability to exercise and cool off amid a multitude of people. In the Southwestern United States, where temperatures have exceeded 100 degrees for weeks, these facilities provide a lifeline. Elsewhere, they can be the difference between a solitary, uncomfortable summer day and a delightful one. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts and a shortage of lifeguards, fewer and fewer Americans currently have easy access to municipal pools.
Back in 1934, when Moses extolled the virtues of public pools, the United States witnessed a wave of pool constructions. Many of these pools were racially segregated, preventing everyone from swimming together. However, over time, they became melting pots, even as cities reduced investment in their maintenance and numerous white residents flocked to private pools.
Now, as American cities face intensifying heat, Moses’s ideas regarding the role of community swimming in public health and happiness are more relevant than ever. If you have the opportunity to visit a public pool this summer—even if you have access to a private backyard pool—make the most of it. Granted, it may still be scorching hot outside when you’re done, but the rejuvenation and serenity you experience will endure long after you’ve dried off.
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