Beginning Monday, kids under 15 will need to be accompanied by an adult to enter Pittsburgh pools during certain hours.
During what city officials are calling Family Swim, children under the age of 15 must have a parent, guardian or other adult who is 21 or older with them. The policy is in effect from 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays and during all hours on the weekends.
Adults who are not accompanying children are also allowed in the pools during those time blocks.
The new policy does not apply to McBride or Sue Murray pools, according to schedules posted on the city’s website.
Chaperone policies have been implemented at various city pools in recent years in response to concerns about unaccompanied minors, including some who have become unruly or ignored lifeguards’ directions. City records showed a fistfight among dozens of teenagers, the use of pepper spray and threats with a gun were among concerns highlighted in 2024.
Issues have arisen at the city’s pools already this summer too. Police had to respond to fights around the Jack Stack pool. Highland Park and Bloomfield pools have been forced to close early after disruptions caused by what officials call “teen takeovers.”
Similar chaperone policies have recently been set at Kennywood Park and Sandcastle.