[Jacqueline Broner]

Hi Jonathan! It is not legal to swim in NYC in the off season. That said, people do still swim, usually without consequence. You’ll find people on the beach directly down from Brighton 4th St. on weekends (and smaller groups during the week). If Parks Dept. employees ask you to exit the water you should comply. But most people go in the mornings and swim without any disruption.

[Jacqueline Broner]

We haven’t planned out next season yet so we will see. Although yoga is offered free to our community, we have to have the budget to pay instructors, so it’ll be taken into consideration.

[Jacqueline Broner]

There are no plans at this time. In the past we have had Veteran’s Day swims but the weather is so iffy – last time it was 30 degrees out and almost no one registered and showed up. It takes a lot to plan these things so while we’d love to do it, the time of year makes it difficult – but we will certainly keep it under consideration.

[Jacqueline Broner]

Hi Carolina – it is perfectly safe to swim parallel to the beach at Brighton Beach/Coney Island – people will likely be there early morning (around 6:30-7:00am) and another group tends to go around 8:30am. They meet at the lifeguard chair at Brighton 4th St – directions on our site.

[Jacqueline Broner]

Hi Werner! There are a number of people that go weekday mornings, usually an 8:30 group and there might be an earlier group as well though you must keep in mind that beaches don’t officially open with lifeguards till 10:00 am and swimming is prohibited before then so you take a chance. Water temp is around 63-65F these days.

[Jacqueline Broner]

To add to that, there’s a good chance that someone will call the police if they see people in the water. That area of downtown is very active with boat traffic and it’s not safe to swim unescorted.

[Jacqueline Broner]

That’s a very personal preference. Some do wear wetsuits and some neoprene shirts – most of our long time swimmers do not. Water is in the low 60s now.

[Jacqueline Broner]

Hi Spence! We don’t have any organized activities on Monday but people will certainly be at the beach. Just come by with whatever swim gear you need (bright cap and goggles, towel, sunscreen, etc.) and meet people and go out for a swim. Small informal groups of people usually head out together and if you’re uneasy about swimming alone I’m sure you can join someone or two.

[Jacqueline Broner]

Hi Noah. Although there’s no place to legally swim off season in NYC – plenty of people swim year round at Brighton Beach. Please note there are no lifeguards and people use a “swim at your own risk” policy even though it’s technically not allowed. You’ll find people at Brighton 4th St. on weekend mornings around 10:00 am and later. Usually a good crowd shows up around 10:30ish especially on Sunday.

[Jacqueline Broner]

Great – thanks Liam – now everyone will be staring at my mid-section. 😉

Thomas, it warms my heart to read this – thank you for taking the time to share your adventures, and know that you are a true inspiration! I look forward to having you swim with us again this year.

[Jacqueline Broner]

Hi Andrew! There are swimmers on the beach all year round. Most come on weekends around 10am-noon.

[Jacqueline Broner]

Hi Andrew! There are swimmers on the beach all year round. Most come on weekends around 10am-noon.

[Jacqueline Broner]

Saturdays and Sundays around 10-11:oo am is when most swimmers show up, though there’ll be various little groups coming and going starting around 9 until usually noon or so. I’d say come about 10:30 either day for maximum meeting people time.

[Jacqueline Broner]

Hi Katia – there should be a bunch of people hanging out tomorrow – usually starting around 9am and lasting till early afternoon.

[Jacqueline Broner]

Unfortunately this is a problem that we grapple with every year in the off season. The best we can do is try to get the number on the jet ski and report it to Harbor Patrol. We’ve been told that we should call 911 if they are putting people’s lives in danger. We have a resources page on our site with numbers to call.

The caveat is – we are not permitted to swim without lifeguards so anyone that does is also breaking the law.

I find it best to swim early morning. Later in the afternoon it gets dicey with boats and jet skis. And never head out alone – wear a bright cap and buoy.