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‎He did not change into swim trunks. Mamdani wore a full three-piece suit with a beige tie, and he even kept his black socks on as he hit the water. The splash drew loud cheers from dozens of children already in the pool. 

‎City officials said the plunge was more than a photo moment. It marked the official opening of all outdoor public pools across the five boroughs. It also celebrated 90 years since the Works Progress Administration built New York's first generation of large public pools. 

‎The event was used to push free swimming this summer. The administration is expanding access to learn-to-swim classes, lap swim hours, and water aerobics, all at no cost to residents. 

‎Mamdani is reviving an old mayoral tradition that had gone cold. Michael Bloomberg once took the plunge at Highbridge Pool, but his successors Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams chose not to take part. 

‎He had promised to bring it back after being asked directly by a local reporter. Katie Honan of THE CITY pressed him earlier this year on whether he would honor the custom, and he agreed. 

‎The children at Thomas Jefferson seemed to enjoy it most. Twelve-year-old Mila Mader was swimming nearby when the mayor jumped in. "It was so fun. I didn't think he would do it! And then he shook my hand. That felt amazing," she told reporters afterward. 

‎By jumping in his suit, Mamdani technically broke pool rules. New York City pools require all swimmers to wear proper bathing suits in the water. Parks staff made an exception for the opening ceremony. 

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‎For families in Harlem and across the city, the suited jump was a clear signal. Summer has started, the pools are open daily, and they remain free until the season closes in early September.