New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani leapt fully clothed into an East Harlem pool Saturday morning, June 27, to officially kick off the Big Apple’s summer pool season. The mayor joined dozens of young kids at Thomas Jefferson Pool for the plunge, breaking city rules that require all swimmers to wear bathing suits in the water. Mamdani even kept his black socks on as he made his cannonball into the water.
Young Swimmers React with Excitement
Young swimmers at the pool expressed excitement over the stunt, noting how fun it was to see the mayor jump in and shake their hands afterward. The socialist mayor had committed to the leap after being pressed by reporters earlier this year regarding whether he would resume the obscure custom of city mayors jumping into public pools on opening day.
A Return to Tradition
Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg was the last city leader to participate in the tradition, while Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams both sat out the practice during their respective terms. Mamdani had teased the possibility in March before officially confirming his plans this week. The jump defied strict New York City public pool regulations, which dictate that all swimmers must wear proper bathing suits to maintain healthy chemical levels in the water. For male swimmers, the rules specify that trunks must have a mesh lining, though Speedos are also permitted.
Not the First Time Fully Dressed
This is not the first time Mamdani has entered the water fully dressed in business attire. The mayor previously jumped into the waves at Coney Island for the annual Polar Bear Club Plunge during his campaign last year as part of a political stunt centered on rent freeze promises.
