On a brutal Friday under an extreme heat warning, two children collapsed while waiting in a long line to get into McCarren Park Pool in Williamsburg, turning what was supposed to be a simple summer cool-off into a frightening scene for families in line.
One of the children, a 12-year-old boy, lost consciousness as the crowd stood outside the pool entrance. Bystanders and staff rushed to cool him down before he was moved into an ambulance, all while temperatures climbed past 100 degrees and thousands of New Yorkers flocked to public pools for relief.
FDNY EMTs arrived within four minutes and helped cool the boy before he was placed on a stretcher and taken by ambulance, according to PIX11. The boy’s family told PIX11 he will likely be OK, and police also checked on the scene. Officials did not immediately release detailed updates about the second child who collapsed.
Long Lines And Slow Going In The Heat
People waiting to get into McCarren described a line that wrapped around the block, with some pool-goers stuck outside for roughly two hours before they made it through the gates. The long wait underscored how heavily New Yorkers rely on free public pools when the city bakes.
News 12 New York reported on the lengthy waits at McCarren, while Spectrum’s NY1 focused on the broader heat emergency that pushed temperatures above 100 degrees across the city. In response, the Parks Department extended pool hours during the heat advisory to give more people a chance to cool off.
Parks Rolls Out Wristbands, Emphasizes Safety
To keep the crush of would-be swimmers somewhat organized, the Parks Department implemented a wristband system so people could step away from the line without losing their spot, a tactic the agency has used during crowded openings in past seasons. In a statement to PIX11, the department called public pools “critical resources” during heat emergencies and said it is committed to helping New Yorkers find relief.
Lifeguards and police helped direct entry at McCarren while staff tried to keep waiting swimmers safe as they inched toward the gate.
Where To Cool Off And What To Watch For
City officials are reminding New Yorkers that the Cool Options map and 311 can point them to dozens of air-conditioned cooling centers, libraries and other relief spots during extreme heat. NYC Emergency Management advises staying hydrated, steering clear of strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day and seeking immediate medical help for symptoms like dizziness, confusion or hot, dry skin.
FDNY and EMS have increased field resources during the heat emergency to keep up with higher medical call volumes.
For families lined up outside McCarren, the combination of intense heat and a glacially slow line was more than just an inconvenience. “I’m feeling very bored because I had to wait on this line for two hours,” one young swimmer told reporters. Advocates say the city should plan for surges on extreme-heat days so free cooling options do not become overwhelmed.
Anyone who spots signs of heat illness is urged to call 911 right away.
