The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced the start of the 7th annual free Learn-to-Swim program which will reach up to 3,000 children this summer at 26 State Parks.
State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "This program teaches children a valuable, life-long skill that helps keep them safe, promotes a healthy lifestyle and gives them a connection to the outdoors. Through the support of Governor Cuomo's Connect Kids initiative and our partners in the Learn-to-Swim program, we are taking steps that can save lives."
Since it began in 2013, the Learn-to-Swim program has helped nearly 18,000 children learn how to swim with instruction from State Parks lifeguards.
"Learning to swim as early as possible is important for everyone and greatly reduces the future risk of drowning," said Commissioner Kulleseid. "But it is never too late to learn."
Each year, there are about 3,500 unintentional drowning deaths across the U.S., with about 700 of those children aged 14 or less, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For every child who dies, another five require hospital emergency care after a near-fatal incident.
With classes that started July 1, the Learn-to-Swim season includes hundreds of individual classes taught for all ages and levels, varying from swim lessons to water safety presentations.
Enrollment for the program remains open at many participating State Parks. Programs are free and pre-registration is required. For more information on schedules and how to sign up, visit the Learn-to-Swim page. Space is limited, and programs can fill up quickly.
Program is Open for Enrollment and Information is Available Here
Each swim program takes 40 - 45 minutes and participants who complete lessons receive a Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Achievement Booklet and a State Parks Learn-to-Swim tee-shirt.
The Learn-to-Swim program is offered through a partnership among the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; the American Red Cross; the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance and the Master Pools Guild; and the Northeast Spa and Pool Association Foundation.
The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance and the Master Pools Guild, and the Northeast Spa & Pool Association Foundation annually donate $15,000 to offset staff and program costs to enable State Parks to offer the free swim classes. The American Red Cross provides free training to State Park lifeguards to obtain Water Safety Instructor certification, allowing them to teach swimming classes. The free Learn-to-Swim program also builds on the instruction already offered at state park facilities as part of programs arranged by summer camps, municipalities and other partner organizations.
"The NESPA Foundation is proud to be a long-time supporter of NYS's Learn to Swim Program," said NESPA Foundation President, John Lochren. "The pool and spa industry and our foundation believe strongly that learning to swim is a critical part of overall water safety. Being in and near water is not only a source of great enjoyment for many, but it is great for your physical and mental health as well. We are pleased to continue our relationship with the New York Parks in educating the next generation of swimmers."
"We're excited for the children in New York to be part of our efforts to create one million more swimmers," said Jim Mock, executive director the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance. "Delta Lake State park will be hosting learn-to-swim events as part of our Step Into Swim campaign this summer. For every child who learns how to swim, one less child is likely to drown, and it results in a healthier child, as well. We're looking to improve people's lives. That's what the Step into Swim program is all about."
The Learn-to-Swim program expands the Governor's commitment to serving more youth at State Parks. In 2016, the Governor announced the Connect Kids to Parks program, which provides free day-use park entry to fourth-grade students and their families, and offers field trip grants for all grade levels in Title 1 public schools. Over the last three years, Connect Kids to Parks has welcomed over 250,000 students to state parks.
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, which were visited by 74 million people last year. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.