Webster, NY – This year’s New York State budget made water safety a priority with investments aimed at ensuring more New Yorkers learn to swim. In support of that endeavor, Assemblymember Jen Lunsford secured $1 million for the New York State YMCA’s lifeguard recruitment and training programs. This crucial funding will assist YMCAs with aquatic recruitment, training and staffing.
"My family is a Y family,” said Assemblymember Jen Lunsford (AD 135). “ The Y made my son love swimming, and it helped me, as a parent, feel secure that he had the skills to be safe in and around the water. I want to make sure that everyone in our state can feel safe while having fun in the water, which is why I secured $1 Million in this year’s budget to support the YMCA Aquatics programs across the state. This funding will help our YMCA’s fill critical staffing shortages that have struggled to rebound after COVID, and give them the opportunity to offer more swim programming for our families. By training and recruiting more lifeguards, we can ensure that our pools remain open and safe for our communities. The YMCA's commitment to water safety is unmatched, and this investment will bolster their efforts to keep our children and families safe."
“The Y is known as ‘America’s Swim Instructor,’ and while we take great pride in teaching everyone to be safe in and around the water, we also place great importance on training the people who keep us safe in emergencies,” said Ernest Lamour, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Rochester. “Last year alone, we trained more than 600 lifeguards across the YMCA of Greater Rochester, so we’re proud to be a recipient of the Assemblymember’s efforts that enables us to further our education.”
“Many people take particular note of the importance of lifeguards in the summer months, but they play a critical role in ensuring our time spent in and around the water is enjoyable and safe all year long,” said Kyle Stewart, Executive Director, Alliance of New York State YMCAs. “Thanks to the work of Assemblymember Lunsford, YMCAs across the state of New York have the opportunity for more people to become lifeguards, expanding our reach and enhancing safety for all.”
To sign up for training programs locally in the YMCA of Greater Rochester, click here.
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