In a groundbreaking move, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has introduced the “NY SWIMS” initiative, aiming to enhance water safety across the state. The $60 million grant program is set to establish 10 new pools in underserved communities, with an additional $30 million allocated for pop-up pools during heat waves. This summer, the number of pools and beaches providing water safety instruction programs is expected to more than double, increasing from seven to 17.

One notable highlight of the initiative is the fast-tracking of a floating, self-filtering pool in New York City’s waterways. Initially proposed over a decade ago, the $16 million project, with $12 million from the state and $4 million from the city, will see the 9,000-square-foot +Pool become a reality. Shaped like a plus sign with an Olympic-sized setup, the pool will undergo testing this summer, likely in a location connected to the riverbed off Manhattan’s Lower East Side, anticipating a public opening next summer.

Governor Hochul also pledged to bolster lifeguard numbers statewide. Concerns arose at the start of the previous summer when New York City had only about one-third of the required 1,400 lifeguards to ensure swimmers’ safety.

The comprehensive plan was unveiled at a press conference on January 5, with Governor Hochul joined by New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Describing it as “the largest statewide investment in swimming since the New Deal,” the initiative is a response to alarming drowning rates in New York. The most recent data from 2021 revealed 230 deaths, prompting urgent action.

Mayor Adams emphasized the significance of the initiative, pointing out that drowning has become a leading cause of death, particularly among children aged 1 to 14. With New York City surrounded by water, Adams stressed the importance of teaching young people to swim. He highlighted the stark disparities, citing a 2017 survey indicating that one in three Black students cannot swim compared to one in 10 white counterparts.

Adams passionately shared his personal experience, recounting a lack of swimming facilities in his community, where a water hose and the hope for a turned-on fire hydrant served as makeshift pools. He drew attention to the stark contrast, likening Coney Island to the Hamptons for his community and Riis Beach to Martha’s Vineyard.

The “NY SWIMS” initiative builds on previous efforts, including legislation from September that provided free swimming lessons for second graders in the city. This transformative initiative aims not only to create new aquatic spaces but also to change mindsets and address historical inequalities in access to swimming resources.

Read the perspective of 13-year-old East Harlem resident Lucas Rosado as he shares his testimonial on the personal significance of the “NY SWIMS” initiative:

I’m Lucas Rosado, a 13-year-old Latino from East Harlem. Some of my earliest memories are swimming here at the Children’s Aid Milbank Center. I started swimming when I was five and became competitive when I was seven. And one of my favorite things to do is race at swim meets. I always have fun competing, making new friends and improving with my team.

During the pandemic, that all came to a stop. In that long period when I couldn’t swim, I realized just how important swimming is. It’s a valuable skill that teaches values like community, sportsmanship, hard work, discipline and perseverance In Latino and Black communities like mine, I think expanding swim programs would be amazing.

In these communities, a reduction in obesity and drowning rates is greatly needed, and providing young people access to pools and lessons will help them experience the numerous physical, mental and social benefits that swimming has to offer. Programs that increase pool access and swimming education like the Children’s Aid are great for building strong and healthy communities.

Swimming is also a social sport that allows you to meet new people and learn valuable skills like sportsmanship and teamwork. People who started as toddlers just learning how to swim eventually grow up to be coaches as adults all while maintaining lifelong friendships.

That comfort, shared by all ages and backgrounds here at the pool, is something more people need to experience, and I’m confident that Governor Hochul’s announcement will help achieve that for all communities. I hope everyone in New York can get a swimming pool near them and learn to love being in the water just like I do.

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