ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) – The water may still have a chill – but New York’s governor is making sure swimmers are safe all season.
With the warm temps this week, Governor Kathy Hochul is highlighting an initiative in her budget to invest in swimming access and education.
The N.Y. Swims initiative will build out municipal pools, connect residents with natural water bodies, address the lifeguard shortage, and invest in state parks and pools.
Hochul says that drowning is the leading cause of death for one to four-year-olds, and warmer temperatures mean access to safe swimming is more important than ever.
“We can go to the parks there, the pools there — all the way up to the Finger Lakes, and the North Country, and Western New York. When you think about it, these are sanctuaries that foster community, physical fitness, relaxation and fun…And more often than not in the summertime, they’re a refuge from the scorching heat, and places for others to gather. But if you do not know how to swim, this refuge can become a death trap in an instant,” said Hochul.
Hochul also announced more funding to monitor shark activity off of Long Island.