Location : Lasker Pool, mid-Park from 108th to 109th Streets. Permit Requirement : No permit required, however certain rules apply. For example, you must bring a lock, and only a towel, shoes, book and water bottle are allowed by the pool; bags are not permitted.

Swimming is strictly prohibited in all the natural lakes, ponds, and reservoirs within Central Park due to safety concerns, hidden underwater hazards, and the protection of local wildlife. However, you can swim in the park at the Gottesman Pool (formerly the Lasker Pool). As of 2026, the pool has fully reopened following a massive $150 million renovation that transformed the north end of the park near the Harlem Meer. This facility offers free public outdoor swimming during the summer months and is converted into a skating rink in the winter. For those looking for "wild" swimming, New Yorkers typically head to the city's public beaches like Rockaway or Coney Island. If you are caught jumping into "The Lake" or the "Reservoir" in Central Park, you will likely face a significant fine and be escorted out by the NYPD or Park Rangers. The new pool facility is now the premier (and only legal) spot for a refreshing dip in the heart of Manhattan.