At most pools, amusement parks and waterparks, Labor Day weekend signifies the time to close down for the season. At others, however, the holiday is an opportunity to cater to a whole new crowd of furry folk. During Washington, D.C.’s annual Doggie Day Swim, a few of the city’s pools are opened to area dogs for a day of swimming, chasing balls and general canine mayhem before the facilities are cleaned and drained for the winter. Held the weekend after Labor Day, Doggie Day Swim offers an opportunity for these city dogs to cool down while their human counterparts watch from the sidelines — dog owners are not permitted to join their four-legged friends in the water. And while this annual event certainly takes place in a party atmosphere, participating dogs do have to adhere to a few simple rules: they must be kept on a leash while they are on the pool deck, be sociable with other dogs, and have up-to-date vaccinations and a valid dog license. The Washington, D.C., Department of Parks and Recreation has been hosting its Doggie Day Swim for five years — 2013’s event was held at Upshur Pool, Randall Pool and Francis Pool. This “capital” Doggie Day Swim, held in collaboration with the Department of Health, is just one instance of water recreation sites using the end of summer to host one last splash for local hounds and their human companions — similar events are held all over the United States.

Marissa Bracamonte is the Editorial Intern for Parks & Recreation Magazine