Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It was a successful 2026 season for Buffalo city pools, according to Mayor Sean Ryan.
Monday marked the final day of pool season in the City of Buffalo, a summer that delivered safer facilities, expanded programming, and greater access to swimming opportunities for Buffalo residents.
According to city data, more than 21,000 residents registered for an online pool ID through a new registration system introduced by the city this year. Along with updated safety and operating procedures, the system helped the city better manage pool attendance and create a more orderly and welcoming environment.
From July 1 to Sept. 7, Buffalo’s six public pools served more than 27,000 visitors.
Following an added emphasis on creating a safer and more welcoming experience, pool staff reported fewer incidents than last year. The number of serious incidents — which includes police calls, fights and threats of violence — declined by 73% from 26 incidents in 2025 to just seven in 2026. Moderate-level incidents — which pool security are able to deescalate without involving police — declined from 13 last year to just one this season.
None of the 2026 incidents necessitated the closing of a pool.
“Every child and every family in Buffalo deserves a safe, welcoming place to swim, cool off, and enjoy the summer,” Mayor Ryan said on Tuesday. “We’re proud to report that the first year of our new pool procedures and safety measures was a great success. We welcomed more than 27,000 visitors to our pools, serious incidents declined dramatically, and hundreds participated in special events, swimming lessons, and water-safety programs.”
Feedback from city lifeguards also reflected a positive season. Among those surveyed, 77% said they plan to return as lifeguards next summer. On a scale of 1-to-5, lifeguards rated their overall experience an average of 4.23.
The city will use feedback from the survey to support lifeguard retention and recruitment ahead of the 2027 pool season.
Beyond improving safety, the Department of Community Services worked with community partners to offer special events and educational programs that drew hundreds of participants throughout the summer. Popular events included the “Flick and Float” movie night at Masten Pool and “Party at La Playa” at Centennial Pool. 75 participants also attended water-safety classes offered in partnership with the American Red Cross.
The city also used grant funding secured by New York State Assemblymember Jon Rivera to provide swimming lessons to 300 Buffalo children through the City Swim Project.
Buffalo’s public pools served more than 27,000 visitors in 2026, as serious incidents also declined by 73% from 2025
Buffalo’s public pools served more than 27,000 visitors in 2026, as serious incidents also declined by 73% from 2025
