New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani was seen taking a leap into the Thomas Jefferson Pool as the city marked the opening of its outdoor pool season.
The plunge comes as New York heads into a stretch of hot summer weather. Forecasters have warned that temperatures could climb above 100°F (38°C) later this week, with humidity expected to make conditions feel even hotter in parts of the city. Authorities have urged residents to stay hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
The act was more than just a way to cool down. It was a ceremonial plunge marking 90 years of public swimming in the city. The Mayor took part in the tradition as the city brought back the ceremonial plunge, which had not been held for about a decade.
Mamdani added his own twist to the ritual.
The Mayor took the plunge dressed head to toe in a suit and tie. His dive marked the opening of the city’s outdoor pool season.
He later joked about his attire, saying, “When they said wear a suit, I just assumed…” — a play on words referring to the formal suit and tie he wore instead of a swimsuit.
When they said, “wear a suit,” I just assumed…
Find a public pool near you at https://t.co/V0Tzb9IlHO. https://t.co/TL5XIB4jBw pic.twitter.com/4wHWNB54fx
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) June 27, 2026
The outfit choice was not entirely new.
Mamdani had made a similar plunge wearing the same attire at Coney Island last year.
He took part in the annual Polar Bear Plunge, a New Year’s Day event that raises funds for local charities. Mamdani was seen jumping into the freezing waters while also drawing attention to his support for a rent freeze proposal, a moment that went viral at the time.