Governor Kathy Hochul said the state will invest $5 million to address the shortage of lifeguards that significantly constrains the provision of safe swim time.
Eligible applicants for the funding include New York City, all New York State counties outside of New York City, and the cities of Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers, according to a news release.
In partnership with the State, counties will be empowered to direct funding locally to help best support their Town, Village and City lifeguard-attended public swimming areas and swim programs to achieve the highest impact and assist communities in greatest need of support.
The application period for eligible municipalities is now open and the deadline to apply is July 26, 2024. SWIMS Lifeguard Grant funding may be used to cover project costs related to safe swimming opportunities including: advertising for lifeguard positions; lifeguard retention and referral bonuses; supplementing hourly lifeguard wages and lifeguard salary increases.
