The New York State Department of Health announced Tuesday that it’s teaming up with the New York State YMCA Foundation Inc. and the State University of New York (SUNY) to make free swim lessons more accessible to children up to 12 years old.
The expansion is part of Governor Hochul’s New York Statewide Investment In More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative, which helps make swim lessons more accessible and improves water safety across New York.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to swim,” Governor Hochul said. “By expanding NY SWIMS through a partnership with the State Health Department, SUNY and the YMCA, we are delivering more affordable ways for all families to stay safe while enjoying summer—one swim lesson at a time.”
Launched in 2024, NY SWIMS was the fourth proposal by Governor Hochul as part of her 2024 State of the State to address drowning statistics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4.
NY SWIMS has invested over $260 million in 79 projects across New York, the largest investment in public swimming since the New Deal in the 1930s.
“Water safety is not only an essential life skill but is also a prerequisite to unlocking the full potential of summer fun,” said Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon (D, NY-119). “These free lessons will help our children develop the skills and confidence they need to be safe in and around the water.”
Through this partnership, three SUNY campuses will offer learn-to-swim lessons this year, including:
SUNY CortlandMohawk Valley Community CollegeTompkins Cortland Community College
Participating YMCA campuses in Central New York and the surrounding areas include:
YMCA of Central New YorkWatertown Family YMCAYMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins CountyAuburn YMCA-WEIUCortland Family YMCAGeneva Family YMCA
For more information on swim lessons, people are urged to contact the campuses to check eligibility requirements and lesson start dates.