BUFFALO, N.Y. — The end of the school year is just around the corner and with the temperatures heating up, children will want to be swimming or playing in splash pads.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday new investments from the state that would help keep kids safe this summer.
The New York StateWide Investment Swimming Initiative (NY SWIMS) is a new initiative to expand swimming access across the state, especially in underserved communities and areas of high heat.
“As drownings in New York State reach record levels among young children, it’s clear that this is a public health issue,” Governor Hochul said. “NY SWIMS is the largest statewide investment in swimming since the New Deal, and we are creating new ways to provide children and their families safe spaces to learn how to swim.”
The state is also addressing a shortage of lifeguards that has affected many communities, including here in Western New York. The state is making $5 million available through the Department of State to help incentivize lifeguard recruitment and retention.
Municipalities have until July 26, 2024 to apply for the funds. . The funding may be used to cover project costs related to safe swimming opportunities including:
- Advertising for lifeguard positions
- Lifeguard retention and referral bonuses
- Supplementing hourly lifeguard wages
- Lifeguard salary increases.
$90 million of the NYS SWIMS grant will be used towards acquiring , designing, constructing, or reconstructing/rehabbing, swimming facilities and natural swimming areas. The Request for Applications for the first round of funding was posted on May 1 at www.dasny.org and www.parks.ny.gov. The first application period will open June 13, 2024 and applications must be submitted by July 12, 2024. Awards will be announced in late August.
“Swimming is one of the most popular and fun ways people enjoy our parks – and it’s a critical life skill. As we celebrate the Centennial of the New York State Park System, it’s fitting that the revitalization of the historic Jones Beach East Bathhouse is a centerpiece of Governor Hochul’s NY SWIMS initiative. Our agency looks forward to working with the Governor to expand much-needed safe public swimming options for New Yorkers," said New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons.
The initiative will also work to create more swimming instruction opportunities by:
- Double the number of pools and beaches that offer water safety instruction programs in 2024 – from 7 to 17 – phasing in the additional beaches and pools in future years.
- work to transport students and their families to facilities where swimming is offered through the Connect Kids programs.
- offer free sunscreen at State Park pools to help families stay safe in the sun and enjoy the outdoors.
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