NYC Mayor Mamdani dives into pool in business suit to open summer swim season

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani made a splash on Saturday by jumping into an outdoor public swimming pool fully dressed in a business suit, officially launching the city's summer pool season.

Mamdani, wearing a coat, tie, dress shirt and even black socks, leapt into the Thomas Jefferson Pool in East Harlem alongside dozens of children. The symbolic plunge marked the opening of New York City's outdoor pools, which will remain open across all five boroughs through September 13.

While the mayor's unusual attire drew attention, it also technically violated Parks Department rules, which require swimmers to wear bathing suits in public pools. Male swimmers are also required to wear trunks with mesh lining unless they opt for Speedos. The rules are designed to help maintain the pools' chemical balance and water quality.

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The mayor had first hinted in March that he might revive the tradition after being asked whether he would follow in the footsteps of former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was the last New York mayor to jump into a pool on opening day. Former mayors Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams did not continue the tradition.

Children welcome the mayor's surprise jump

Children attending the opening event were thrilled to see Mamdani dive into the water with them.

"It was so fun. I didn’t think he would do it! And then he shook my hand. That felt amazing," said Mila Mader, 12.

"I told my brother, Leo, I was like, ‘Oh my God, the mayor shook my hand.’ He shook my brother’s hands, too."

The event came just one day after New York City's public schools closed for the summer and ahead of another spell of extreme heat expected next week, making the reopening of public pools especially welcome for residents.