Is it okay to go to the beach or pool during the three weeks of Ben HaMetsarim

Swimming in the sea or pool is permitted during the days between the 17th of Tammuz and Tish’a B’Av. According to the rabbis and Sephardic Jews, it is permitted even during the week in which Tish’a B’Av falls (if the pool is not heated, i.e., in cold water), but not on the day of Tish’a B’Av itself. [And our Ashkenazim brothers may be more lenient between the 17th of Tammuz and Rosh Chodesh Av.]

However, on these days, one must be more careful to avoid danger, as they are days prone to calamities, God forbid. Therefore, swimming should only be done in the presence of a lifeguard, and also not in deep water (only in a place where you can stand comfortably), not jumping, etc. As for children, it’s best to avoid it altogether, due to the danger and the above. [And by the providence of the Creator, blessed be His name, every year, on the beaches of the Land of Israel, on the days of Ben HaMetsarim (“the three weeks”), jellyfish are found, making swimming in the sea difficult.] And all this (the issue of danger) is best avoided until after Shabbat, when you have rested.

Of course, permission is only for beaches where there is a separation between men and women, and also in a pool with a separation, without mixing of women and men, in accordance with all the laws of modesty. And here in Brazil (country of questioner), to date, there is still no such beach (nor lifeguards). Therefore, the solution to all this is only if you come to Israel for vacation, etc.

And all this was the instruction of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef, ZT”L.

Sources: