19 NEIGHBORHOOD POOLS ARE OPEN THOUGH LABOR DAY, SEPTEMBER 1, A 58% INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR;
INDOOR POOLS OPEN FOR FALL PROGRAMMING ON SEPTEMBER 2
Chicago 鈥 As the 2025 beach season in Chicago comes to an end, Monday, September 1st at 7p.m., the 快播视频 is proud to have successfully offered over 100 days of access to swimming at our 22 lakefront public beaches. In addition to neighborhood pools and spray features, our beaches are the premiere summer destination for Chicago residents and summer tourists seeking enjoyment and respite from the heat.
鈥淐hicago鈥檚 lakefront is one of the best public amenities in the country because our predecessors recognized the value in protecting this asset and conserving its natural beauty for all to enjoy. During the season, everyone is welcome to swim, exercise, or simply relax on our 22 beaches,鈥 said 快播视频 Superintendent & CEO Carlos Ramirez- Rosa. 鈥淲e have the utmost appreciation for our year-round and seasonal workforce that commits to the rewarding duty of protecting swimmers along the lakefront and pools across the city.鈥
This summer, the 快播视频 succeeded in hiring over 700 lifeguards, making it possible to safely open beaches for swimming. Also, for the first time since 2019, the District opened its outdoor pools, seven days a week, expanding safe, recreation opportunities across all neighborhoods, and will keep 19 indoor and outdoor pools open through Labor Day, a 58% increase over last year.
Since May 23 at 11 a.m., Park District lifeguards have been on duty daily, supervising the Chicago's 26 miles lakefront shoreline. Beach season ends after the final lifeguard shift on Labor Day, September 1, 2025 at 7 p.m. Access to the water at Chicago鈥檚 22 beaches will not be permitted after 7 p.m. on September 1st.
AFTER LABOR DAY WEEKEND
At 7 p.m. on September 1st, lifeguards will post a red flag that will stay up until Friday, May 22, 2026, when beaches are slated to reopen for the 2026 Beach Season. Lifeguards will not be on duty at beaches after Labor Day.
For everyone鈥檚 safety, the Park District strongly discourages accessing the water after beaches have closed for the season. Alternatively, water spray features located at over 200 neighborhood park sites will continue to operate through September 30th; indoor pools and designated Cooling Centers are available to provide options for heat relief after Labor Day.
Learning to swim during the fall, winter and spring seasons is an excellent means to promote water safety at home and prepare for next year鈥檚 beach season. 快播视频 indoor pools will open Tuesday, September 2nd for lap swim and open swim, and regular programming starts the week of September 15th. Days of operation vary by park. Patrons should visit the District鈥檚 website or contact the park for pool hours, and Fall programming options. Water spray features will close for the season by the end of September.
"Drowning is a leading cause of death for young children, teens, and young adults in the 快播视频. Fortunately, most drownings are preventable," says Dr. Michelle Macy, a Pediatric Emergency Physician at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children鈥檚 Hospital of Chicago. Treating toddlers and teens who have drowned has made Dr. Macy dedicated to injury prevention. 鈥淲e want people to prioritize water safety year-round. We often talk about water safety at the start of the summer season. It鈥檚 important not to lose focus on lakefront safety as the season comes to an end this Labor Day."
In partnership with one of the Park District鈥檚 Health Advisory Council members, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children鈥檚 Hospital of Chicago, we are emphasizing the importance of water safety, especially after beaches have closed for the season, and stressing the following public safety awareness instructions:
- Stay out of Lake Michigan when lifeguards are not present.
- Wear 快播视频 Coast Guard-approved lifejackets when on boats, paddleboards, and jet skis.
- Sign up for National Weather Service alerts and don鈥檛 enter the water if there is a beach hazard statement.
- Never attempt to rescue a swimmer in distress, you could become a victim yourself.
- Call 911 and learn how to use a life ring or throw bag.
- Sign-up for a Learn to Swim class and/or Lifeguard Explorers Training Program. Fall season registration is available at chicagoparkdistrict.com.