It’s that time of year again. The air is a little crisp, the sunlight is a little stronger, and you know what that means: it’s summertime!
This year the question on everyone’s lips will be, “When does Wantagh Park Pool open?”
Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to that question. Wantagh Park Pool opens at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and then on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, depending on the season. In the summer the pool will be open daily, with the last exit from the pool closing at 11:00 p.m. In the winter, the pool will close at 5:00 p.m. and re-open at 6:00 a.m. the next day.
Here’s a detailed look at when the pool will open and close for the 2018 season:
Table of Contents
Weekends: When Does It Open And Close?
Saturday and Sunday, as mentioned, are the first days this year that the pool will open its doors to the public. It will close at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, and then remain closed on Saturday. The pool will open on Sunday at 6:00 a.m., and close at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday. Because of this, the pool will be open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the summer, and on Wednesday and Thursday in the winter.
You’ll often hear people say that Saturdays and Sundays are the best days to visit the park, as it’s usually the quietest on those days. While there’s no denying that the pool looks and feels fantastic on a balmy summer’s day, perhaps it’s better to visit the park on a weekday in the winter.
Evenings: How Late Do You Have To Stay Till To Use The Pool?
The last exit from the pool will be at 11:00 p.m. If you want to swim before the crowds arrive, you’ll need to get in early!
On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, the pool will stay open well after the sun has set, with the last exit from the pool closing at 11:00 p.m. There is no set time for the pool to close on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, but it will close by 11:00 p.m. In the summertime, this is when the park makes the most of its outdoor pool, as it’s open all night long. In the winter it’s often too cold to remain in the water after dark, so the pool is closed as soon as the sun goes down.
You’ll often hear people say that they wish the pool would close earlier, so they could continue swimming later. While there’s definitely something unique about swimming pools that end at night, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate what you know about the benefits of extended swimming hours!
Weekends: Does It Close On Weekdays?
On Saturday and Sunday the pool will close by 11:00 p.m., with the last exit being at 11:00 p.m. In the summertime, this is late enough so that the sun is no longer beaming down, however, in the winter, darkness is swiftly approaching, and it would be unwise to be remaining in the pool after 11:00 p.m. This is one of the reasons why it’s better to visit the park on a weekday in the winter.
It’s also worth noting that while the pool will close by 11:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, this is not a daily occurrence. Usually, the pool will stay open until midnight, with the last exit closing at 12:00 a.m.
Evenings And Weekends: Can You Use The Pool Even If You Haven’t Swum Before?
Anyone can use the pool at any time on Wednesday and Thursday evenings or on weekends. The only requirement is that you have to be at least five years old.
The pool will be drained and cleaned after each use, and it’s a good idea to use a pool noodle to help remove any excess bacteria. If you’re worried about contracting an infection, contact the pool manager directly, as he will be more than happy to give you further information about the dangers of swimming without proper hygiene.
As mentioned, the last exit from the pool will be closed at 11:00 p.m. If you feel like continuing the fun, you can enter the pool through the adjacent locker rooms to access the bathhouses, or re-enter through the other side to get a drink at the fountain, or to use the pay phone. You cannot, however, access any of these areas if you are under 18 years old.
There are a number of bars and restaurants surrounding the pool, offering a range of food and drink options for hungry and thirsty visitors. These include The Spot On Water, with items such as fish and chips, and onion rings; and Sabor Latino, serving various Spanish tapas such as paella and tortilla Espanola.
There’s also a playground for children, with sandcastles and slides available for youngsters to enjoy. During the summertime, the park will host a number of live music and fun outdoor parties, so be sure to check the listings for details!
Late Nights: Is It Ever Too Late To Use The Pool?
Late nights are great, as long as you’re happy to be in the water after midnight. Although the pool will close by 11:00 p.m., this is often when the party starts.
On Wednesday and Thursday evenings the pool will stay open until midnight, with the last exit closing at 12:00 a.m. Be careful if you’re planning to visit the park on a late evening of a Thursday or Friday, as this is when the gates will be locked, and it will be quite a walk back to the car for some, especially those driving alone.
If you’re looking for peace and relaxation, it would be best to visit the park during the day on a Wednesday or Thursday. This way you won’t have to worry about finding a babysitter, and you can get back to your hotel or home before midnight, if you wish.
Is There Lifeguard Services?
Lifeguard services are provided by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and are on duty daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. There are also seasonal lifeguards on duty from November to April, and the presence of a lifeguard is marked by a yellow buoy attached to a pole next to the pool.
Lifeguards will rescue swimmers in distress, give first aid, and administer oral or written warnings to those breaking the rules. They also carry a whistle, which they use to indicate that an ambulance is needed. While their main purpose is to protect swimmers, lifeguards must still adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the department, so as not to break the law themselves.
Is Health Check Required For Swimming?
All pools in New York City are required to be heated, with the Health Department conducting an inspection at least once a month. If you fall into the pool and cannot get out by yourself, there’s a first aid kit on hand, as well as a pool repairman who will come to your rescue. If you did go under, he would also call 911 for you.
In some cases, especially when it comes to indoor pools, health checks can be quite rigorous, and if a pool is not up to code, it will be closed immediately. Indoor pools must adhere to certain standards, as they are usually smaller in size and do not have the open-air atmosphere that encourages physical activity. They also need to be cleaned more frequently, as bacteria and germs can multiply quickly in unheated water.
Is There Swimming During Weekend Weather?
New York City’s temperatures are unpredictable, so there’s no telling whether or not the weather will cooperate and allow you to swim. If it is balmy and the sun is beaming down, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t indulge yourself and take a dip. On the other hand, if the sky is gray and it feels a little nippy, perhaps it’s better to stay out of the water, or go for a brisk walk instead.
Aside from the time of day, the weather can also determine whether or not you’ll be able to swim. If it’s humid and cloudy, with sudden drops in temperature, making you feel cold even though the thermometer read several degrees above, then forget about swimming all day long. This is especially the case when visiting the park in the winter.