Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled the first tranche of funding from the newly established $150 million NY SWIMS capital grant program, which is part of the state budget that was enacted. This investment aims to enhance safe swimming opportunities and address the disparities in access across New York State, particularly in underserved communities. The program also intends to bolster resources for areas prone to extreme heat.
As part of the initial funding round, up to $90 million is available for municipal swimming facility projects. These funds are earmarked to acquire, design, construct, or renovate swimming facilities and natural swimming areas, ensuring modern, accessible, and safe water recreational spaces.
“Drownings have surged to record levels in recent years, with our children at greatest risk,” Hochul said. “NY SWIMS represents the largest state investment in swimming facilities since the New Deal, aiming to ensure every New Yorker knows how to swim, reducing the risk of drowning.”
Applications for this funding will open on June 13, with a submission deadline of July 12. Grant recipients will be announced by August 28. Each project may receive between $50,000 and $10 million, with applicants required to contribute a 20% match toward the total project cost. A portion of the funds can also support ancillary facilities like splash pads and playgrounds.
Hochul said that disparate access to safe and convenient opportunities for swimming has denied far too many New Yorkers the chance to engage with the water and learn foundational water safety skills. Drownings in New York State have reached record highs in recent years, claiming the lives of 230 New Yorkers in 2021 (the last year data is available) and more than 1,000 New Yorkers from 2017 to 2021. Drowning now ranks as the leading cause of death among children aged one to four years old in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it is the second-leading cause of death for children aged 5 to 14.
Prospective applicants can prepare their submissions by participating in a webinar on May 15, which will outline the application process and address pre-submitted questions. Webinar video will be posted on the NYS OPRHP and DASNY NY SWIMS Websites (www.dasny.org and www.parks.ny.gov) on May 15.
As NY State Parks marks its centennial in 2024, this initiative also revitalizes the state’s commitment to providing high-quality recreational facilities to all its residents, ensuring safe and equitable access to swimming opportunities across the state.