Red tide
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Governor Hochul is initiating measures to transform our state into a safer and more inclusive environment! During her 2024 State of the State address on January 5, Governor Hochul unveiled the NY SWIMS initiative: New York State's wide-ranging investment in enhancing swimming facilities. This initiative aims to significantly broaden the availability of swimming resources, especially in communities that are typically underserved.

Key aspects of this initiative include:
 

• Establishing new municipal pools in areas with the greatest need.

• Redefining the interaction between New Yorkers and their natural water bodies, including rivers and lakes.

• Introducing swimming pools in urban regions that frequently experience severe heatwaves.

• Channeling funds into State Parks and Pools to improve facilities.
   

Additionally, NY SWIMS is committed to:

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• Increasing the availability of lifeguards and swim lessons at public beaches and pools.

• Planning to more than double the presence of water safety instruction programs at State Parks by 2024.

• Enhancing the Connect Kids program to facilitate transportation for children and their families to swimming locations.

• Transforming SUNY pools into community hubs by expanding learn-to-swim programs for residents and aiding SUNY students in becoming certified lifeguards.

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Red Tide is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to contribute to this groundbreaking initiative.