Governor Hochul’s NY SWIMS Initiative Aims to Ensure Water Safety for New Yorkers

Governor Kathy Hochul's announcement preceding Memorial Day Weekend underscores a multifaceted initiative designed to safeguard New Yorkers in aquatic environments, known as the New York State Wide Investment in Municipal Swimming (NY SWIMS). As concerns about drowning incidents, particularly among children, persist, and with a proactive eye on the anticipated escalation of extreme heat events attributed to climate change, Hochul has marshaled resources from the FY 2025 Budget and introduced novel programs to fortify water safety across the state.

$100 million Earmarked For The Jones Beach State Park's East Bathhouse Renovation

The Jones Beach State Park's East Bathhouse emerges as a focal point of this endeavor, with a substantial allocation of $100 million earmarked for its comprehensive renovation. This historic landmark will undergo a transformative redesign, incorporating innovative features such as a dedicated Learn to Swim facility, poised to elevate safety standards and enhance visitor experiences. Complementing this initiative is the unveiling of a $5 million Lifeguard Grant Program, strategically tailored to assist municipalities in mitigating lifeguard shortages, thereby fostering safer aquatic environments for communities statewide. Furthermore, a substantial funding pool of up to $90 million has been made available to empower municipal authorities in upgrading swimming facilities, particularly targeting underserved areas grappling with limited access to such amenities.

$2 Million To Facilitate Lifeguard Certification Programs

In tandem with bolstering lifeguard recruitment and modernizing swimming infrastructure, SUNY pools are poised to assume a pivotal role as community hubs, thanks to a $2 million injection to facilitate lifeguard certification programs and expand learn-to-swim initiatives for youth. Concurrently, State Parks is set to double its water safety instruction programs and introduce complimentary sunscreen provisions, underscoring a comprehensive commitment to enhancing safety protocols. Moreover, heightened vigilance measures have been implemented to monitor shark activity at Long Island State Beaches, leveraging advanced surveillance technologies and trained personnel to ensure visitor safety.