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The New York State Office of
Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
today announced that nearly 1,500
swimmers took advantage of free Learn-to-Swim lessons at New York State Parks
this summer with 20 facilities hosting lessons across the state. The
Learn-to-Swim program includes individual classes taught for all ages and
levels, varying from swim lessons to water safety instruction.
New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons
said, "State Parks is proud to offer our Learn-to-Swim program
that teaches a vital life skill and empowers kids and families to feel
confident in the water. Through Learn-to-Swim and the Governor's NY SWIMS
initiative, we are committed to providing access to safe public swimming
options for all to enjoy. A special thanks to our lifeguards and staff for
all their dedication and efforts, which has allowed more New Yorkers to
continue to discover our amazing state pools and beaches."
Recognizing
that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, the
Learn-to-Swim program helps more New Yorkers swim by
providing free swim instruction to children
and families with the goal or promoting water safety throughout the state. Through a partnership with
the American Red Cross, State Park lifeguards are provided free training to
obtain Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification. This support has allowed
for the certification of 20 additional Water Safety Instructors this season. Lifeguard
staff who currently possess WSI certification also help provide more
opportunities for swim lessons. The 2025 season saw swimming lesson programs
at 20 state parks across the state this summer.
"We
congratulate New York State Parks on building an ecosystem of water safety
through education and swim lessons," said Kevin Coffey, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross
of Eastern New York. "Our
community training providers are critical to the success of our Aquatics
Centennial Campaign and saving lives."
The
Learn-to-Swim program complements Governor's Hochul's NY SWIMS initiative to
expand access to safe swimming facilities for children and their families
across the state and her Get Offline, Get Outside campaign. Last year, Governor Hochul
also introduced the Connect Kids to Swimming Instruction Transportation Grant
program. This program connects New York school age children (pre-K through
grade 12) with swimming instruction by reimbursing transportation costs incurred
by eligible entities for travel to facilities in New York State that are
operated by State, municipal, and not-for-profit organizations and offer swim
instruction for a nationally recognized learn-to-swim curriculum such as the
American Red Cross, YMCA or Starfish Aquatics.
The New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees
more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat
launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more
information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the
free NY State Parks
Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
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