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Big Swim 2026
Asphalt Green’s Big Swim is a free NYC swim meet for swimmers ages 6–13, welcoming all skill levels for an afternoon of racing, water safety, and community fun.
May 2 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Asphalt Green’s Big Swim is New York City’s largest free swim meet, welcoming swimmers, ages 6 to13, of all skill levels.
This NYC community swim event brings together first-time swimmers and experienced athletes for an afternoon of races, water safety education, and inclusive aquatic programming that makes swimming accessible to all.
EVENT Details
WHEN:
Saturday, May 2, 2026
12pm to 4pm
WHERE:
Asphalt Green’s Upper East Side Campus
Olympic pool in the AquaCenter building
(1750 York Ave, New York, NY 10128)
WHO:
Kids and teens ages 6 to 13
All swimming levels welcome
COST:
Free for all!
SESSION TIMES:
| Sensory-Friendly Session | 6+ years | Check-in: 12pm Swim meet starts: 12:20pm |
| Session 1 | 6-9 years | Check-in: 12:45pm Swim meet starts: 1:30pm |
| Session 2 | 10-13 years | Check-in: 2:30pm Swim meet starts: 3:15pm |
for teen and adult swimmers
For adult and teen swimmers ages 14+, we invite you to sign up for the Turning the Tide Swim-a-thon happening Saturday morning, May 2, before our annual Big Swim event. Learn more and register today!
WHAT TO BRING
- Swimsuit (Your child should come dressed and ready to swim!)
- Towel (to be kept in the locker room)
- Goggles (optional)
- A change of clothes
Please note:
Only items that can go in the water are allowed on the pool deck. Everything else—like towels, bags, technology and clothes—should stay in the locker room.
HOW IT WORKS
- Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled check-in for your age group
- Check in at the registration desk
- Head to the locker room to get ready*
- Wait for your heat to start
- Race 25 yards to the finish line!
*Only registered swimmers are permitted in the locker rooms during their session. All spectators must go to the viewing area.
What to expect
Swimmers can expect a fun, high‑energy experience designed for participants of all levels! Each swimmer will race in a 25‑yard lane, with certified lifeguards on deck to provide support or assistance if needed.
The event welcomes both competitive and recreational swimmers, creating a positive and encouraging environment for everyone. All participants will receive a medal to celebrate their achievement, and the fastest male and female swimmers in each session will receive special recognition. Race results will be available and emailed to participants after the event.
Spectators are encouraged to cheer on the swimmers, adding to the excitement while also learning about water safety skills and the lifelong importance of swimming.
REGISTER TODAY
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INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY AT BIG SWIM
At Asphalt Green, we believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone can participate and enjoy our events to the fullest.
If your swimmer requires additional support or accommodation such as sensory considerations for the Big Swim, we are here to assist you at every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions or specific accommodations your child may require.
To provide you with further assistance and ensure the best experience for all swimmers, we’ve prepared a comprehensive Sensory Guide. This guide offers insights and helpful tips to ensure Big Swim is enjoyable and comfortable for participants with sensory sensitivities.
Accessibility & Participant Requirements Disclaimer
Asphalt Green is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all participants. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we strive to offer reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities wherever possible and safe to do so.
Please note: Due to the physical nature of this event and limitations with the pool configuration, participants must be able to enter and exit the pool independently without physical assistance from staff or volunteers.
If you have a disability and are unsure whether the event’s requirements can be met safely, we encourage you to contact us at [email protected] before the day of the event to discuss your specific needs. We will make every effort to explore reasonable accommodations in line with safety protocols and program capacity.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to supporting all participants to the greatest extent possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this event is only open to children ages 6 to 13.
Our lifeguards support swimmers of all levels to ensure they complete their lap safely.
Families that have children who experience sensory sensitivities, can enjoy Big Swim with reduced sound and crowds. Tickets are limited for this special session. If you have questions or would like to register your swimmer for this session, please contact [email protected] by April 30, 2026.
Yes, this event is wheelchair accessible.
After checking in, children will be guided by our trained staff and will change in the locker rooms on the first floor. They will then be escorted to the pool deck for their race. Parents and guardians should proceed directly to the stadium seating on the second floor. Please note that parents and guardians are not permitted in the locker rooms.
Each participant must check in during their designated check‑in window. However, families with multiple children will be fast‑tracked when checking in for the child who has the later swim session.
Spectators can watch from the stadium seats on the second floor of the AquaCenter. You’ll be directed there after your swimmer checks in at the registration table.
After the race, children will receive a medal for their race and then head to the locker room to change out of their swimsuits and dry off. They will be guided and supervised by their chaperone. Parents are not allowed in the locker room. Instead, they go directly to Dekovatz Park to meet their child.
If your child arrives after check-in closes, they’re still welcome to swim a 25-yard race just for fun—but please note that their time won’t be recorded, and their name won’t appear on the scoreboard.
If your child misses their session entirely, we won’t be able to accommodate them later, as we’ll be welcoming the next group of swimmers. We appreciate your understanding and encourage your family to arrive early so your child can get the full Big Swim experience!
You can make a donation online at any time here.