CHICAGO, Ill. — Summer swimming in Chicago is coming to an end as the city prepares to close its beaches and remaining outdoor pools following the Labor Day holiday.
According to the Chicago Park District, the city’s 23 beaches will officially close to swimmers after Monday, marking the traditional end of the outdoor swimming season.
For Chicago residents and visitors hoping to squeeze in one final swim, Monday will be the last opportunity at the city’s beaches before lifeguard operations end for the season.
Although swimming will no longer be allowed after the deadline, residents will still be able to visit the beaches and enjoy the lakefront.
Swimming Prohibited After Monday
Once 7 p.m. Monday passes, Chicago beaches will remain available for people who want to enjoy the scenery, sounds and atmosphere of the lakefront.
However, swimming will be prohibited because lifeguards will no longer be staffing the towers after Labor Day. The change is part of the city’s regular transition away from the outdoor swimming season as summer comes to an end.
For beachgoers, the closure does not necessarily mean they have to stay away from Chicago’s lakefront. Walking along the shoreline, enjoying the views and spending time near the water will still be possible.
But residents should be aware that no lifeguard service will be available for swimming once the seasonal closure takes effect.
Remaining Outdoor Pools Also Closing
Chicago’s outdoor pools are also preparing to wrap up their summer schedules.
Some outdoor pools have already closed as lifeguards begin returning to school. According to the Chicago Park District, the remaining 20 outdoor pools that are still open will close after Monday as well.
The closures mark the end of another busy outdoor swimming season across the city.
For families who have spent the summer visiting neighborhood pools, the timing signals a return to indoor aquatic facilities as cooler weather approaches.
The final outdoor swimming days could therefore be especially important for residents hoping to enjoy one more warm-weather swim before the seasonal facilities shut down.
Indoor Pools Reopen Tuesday
There is good news for Chicago swimmers who are not ready to give up their pool time.
Beginning Tuesday, the city’s indoor pools will reopen for open swim opportunities, with lap swimming also returning according to officials. The indoor facilities will provide residents with another option once outdoor beaches and pools close.
Instead of waiting until next summer to get back in the water, swimmers can transition to Chicago’s indoor facilities and continue enjoying aquatic activities throughout the fall.
The change also provides an alternative for people who regularly use city pools for exercise, recreation or family activities.
Fall Aquatic Programs Start September 21
Chicago’s aquatic schedule will continue beyond the reopening of indoor pools.
According to the Chicago Park District, fall aquatic programs will begin September 21, giving residents additional opportunities to stay active in the water as the seasons change.
The programs will offer another way for swimmers to continue participating in aquatic activities after the outdoor season ends. For families and regular swimmers, the fall schedule could help make the transition away from summer swimming a little easier.
Splash Pads to Stay Open Through September
Chicago residents will also have access to many water-based attractions for several more weeks.
The Park District says more than 200 splash pads and other water-play features are expected to remain open through the end of September.
There are some exceptions for locations that are undergoing maintenance, so residents should check individual locations before making plans.
The extended operation gives families with young children another way to enjoy outdoor water activities even after traditional beach and pool swimming ends.
With beaches and outdoor pools closing after Monday, Chicago’s summer swimming season is clearly winding down. But between reopening indoor pools, fall aquatic programs and hundreds of water-play locations, residents will still have plenty of opportunities to enjoy aquatic recreation in the weeks ahead.
Did you make the most of Chicago’s beaches or outdoor pools this summer? Tell us your favorite swimming spot in the comments!
