Governor Hochul Launches ‘Unplug, Get Outside’ Campaign, Announces Free National Park Pools This Summer

Helping children learn to swim

Recognizing that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and that climate change will increase extreme heat events, NY SWIMS will build municipal pools in high-need areas, connect New Yorkers to the state’s rivers and lakes, deploy pools in urban environments, and invest in the state’s parks and pools. It will also encourage initiatives to help more New Yorkers swim safely by addressing the statewide lifeguard shortage, increasing swimming lessons, and expanding amenities at pools and beaches.

Governor Hochul announced a $1.5 million grant program to transport kids to swimming instruction. Administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), the Connect Kids to Swimming Instruction transportation grant program will enable New York school-aged children (K-12) to attend swimming lessons by reimbursing eligible entities for transportation costs (including parking and vehicle usage fees) to New York State facilities operated by state, municipal, and nonprofit organizations that offer swimming lessons through a nationally recognized learn-to-swim program, such as the American Red Cross, YMCA, or Starfish Aquatics.

The program allows grant recipients to be reimbursed up to $45,000 per fiscal year for eligible transportation expenses and no matching share is required. Applications will be received on a rolling basis. Grant details and guidelines are available on the State Parks website.

Governor Hochul also directed SUNY to work with schools, youth and community organizations, and municipalities to increase opportunities for people to learn to swim in every region of the state. Additionally, New York will encourage SUNY students who are qualified swimmers to become lifeguards by covering the cost of a lifeguard certification exam and providing college credit for lifeguard training courses.

Development of municipal swimming pools in areas of high need

Governor Hochul recently announced that up to $90 million of the new $150 million NY SWIMS Capital Grant Program is now available. Included in the FY 2025 and 2024 State of the State Enacted Budget, the program provides grants of between $50,000 and $10 million to acquire, design, construct or reconstruct facilities, conduct major renovations, upgrades, and modernize or rehabilitate swimming facilities and natural swimming areas. The call for applications for the first round of funding was posted May 1 at www.dasny.org and www.parks.ny.gov.

The first application period for the NY SWIMS Investment Grant opened on June 13, 2024, and applications must be submitted by July 12, 2024. Grants are expected to be announced no earlier than August 28, 2024. Applications will be evaluated based on the characteristics of the projects’ need, impact, and viability.

Riverbank State Park Renovations Complete

Governor Hochul also announced the completion of the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park Aquatic Locker Room Renovation. The project concludes a $19 million investment to renovate the athletic and aquatic locker rooms, two heavily used facilities that have not been renovated since the park was originally built three decades ago. Improvements included a refreshed reception area, amenities such as a “swimsuit wringer” to help dry wet clothing, accessibility improvements, and new, efficient lighting.

Making SUNY Pools Community Pillars

Governor Hochul secured nearly $2 million in the FY 2025 budget for SUNY campuses to offer lifeguard certification courses and expand access to learn-to-swim classes for youth. SUNY will work with schools, youth and community organizations, and municipalities to increase learn-to-swim opportunities in every region of the state. Additionally, New York will encourage SUNY students who are qualified swimmers to become lifeguards by covering the cost of a lifeguard certification exam and providing college credit for lifeguard training courses. Any SUNY campus with an operational pool will be eligible for funding. Applications are currently available and awards will be made in the coming weeks.