NY SWIMS Grant (Swimming and Water Safety Initiative)

Award Date: August 2024

Part of New York State's initiative to expand access to swimming pools and prevent drowning. TC3 received funding to increase access to learn-to-swim classes and lifeguard training programs.

Program Uses

• Learn-to-swim classes for:
  • 4-year-olds from TC3 Childcare Center
  • Local children as part of community swim lessons
  • TC3 students
  • Adaptive swim opportunities through partnership with BOCES
• Up to 20 scholarships for local high school students to receive lifeguard certification training through TC3
• Water safety education

Geographic Scope

• Tompkins Cortland Community College service region (NY)

Program Management

• Recreation and Aquatics Coordinator: Alfred Okaru
• Assistant Coordinator: Madisyn Zimmer

Context

• Approximately 4,000 people in the United States drown each year
• Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under age 5
• 64% of African American children and 45% of Hispanic/Latino children have little to no swimming skills
• Governor Hochul allocated nearly $2 million in FY 2025 for SUNY campuses to offer lifeguard certification courses and expand learn-to-swim access
• SUNY student lifeguards can have certification exam costs covered and earn college credit for completing lifeguard training