ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – New York is investing in youth swimming education and safety.

Children across the state will be able to access free lessons through a partnership with the New York State Department of Health and the New York State YMCA Foundation. 

Part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s NY SWIMS initiative, it’s being offered to kids 0-12 at more than two dozen YMCAs, including the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County, the Cortland Family YMCA, and the YMCA of Broome County. A partnership with SUNY was also part of the announcement.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to swim,” Governor Hochul said. “By expanding NY SWIMS through a partnership with the State Health Department, SUNY, and the YMCA, we are delivering more affordable ways for all families to stay safe while enjoying summer – one swim lesson at a time. 

Interested parties should contact their local YMCA to learn about eligibility requirements and lesson start dates.

Full List of Participating YMCAs

  • YMCA of Greater New York
  • YMCA of Greater Rochester
  • YMCA of Central New York
  • Watertown Family YMCA
  • YMCA Buffalo Niagara
  • Capital District YMCA
  • YMCA of Long Island
  • New Rochelle YMCA
  • Middletown YMCA
  • Rye YMCA
  • Saratoga Regional YMCA
  • Plattsburgh YMCA
  • YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County
  • GLOW YMCA
  • Rockland County YMCA
  • YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County
  • Auburn YMCA-WEIU
  • YMCA of the Twin Tiers
  • Jamestown Area YMCA
  • YMCA of Broome County
  • Oneonta Family YMCA
  • Norwich YMCA
  • Cortland Family YMCA
  • Geneva Family YMCA
  • Central and Northern Westchester YMCA
  • Greater Tri Valley YMCA