With Labor Day and the swimming season over, it’s understandable that many people put water safety out of mind with beach and pool days behind us. But for a country facing a national water safety crisis, this should be a year-round issue that demands our attention. Through strategic partnerships, targeted investments, and innovative programs, NYC has the makings of a blueprint on water safety for other cities to follow.
Based on key learnings from across the nation, here are five things cities must do to combat the water safety crisis:
- Invest in accessible aquatics infrastructure
Any city serious about tackling water safety must ensure its residents have safe and accessible places to swim. This requires that municipalities take a hard look at the number of pools open to all residents, where they are located, and the hours of operation. Every city won’t look the same, but all should undertake a review of their infrastructure and establish meaningful metrics for improvement.
In response to a 2024 New York City Council analysis that found more than 3 million New Yorkers live in districts without a single public pool, the “Let’s Swim NYC” initiative was launched. This initiative provides an historic $1 billion capital investment over five years. Funding is being used to build two new indoor pools, renovate three others, and repair projects at 39 pools across the city. This commitment is a model for how cities can improve access and save lives.
- Build a robust pipeline of qualified lifeguards & swim instructors
Improving water safety requires a robust supply of qualified lifeguards and swim instructors, and the continuing nationwide shortage of both groups must be addressed. Cities should focus on working with aquatic providers to create a comprehensive pipeline of certified lifeguards and swim instructors year-round.
In New York, in 2023, the NYC Aquatics & Lifeguard Taskforce was created as a collaborative effort between the YMCA of Greater New York, NYC nonprofit aquatic providers, and multiple city agencies, including the NYC Parks Department, NYC Department of Education, the Mayor’s Office, and others to address the shortage and expand water safety education. Together, this group has begun to develop and implement creative solutions to some of the most common barriers faced.
- Implement a land-based water safety curriculum
Water safety education must be available to all and should start at a young age. Cities should partner with schools and nonprofits to develop and implement in the classroom a “land-based” curriculum to teach essential water safety rules. This type of education is a vital first step, especially for schools without pools, to prepare children before they ever get near the water. The YMCA of Greater New York, American Red Cross, and other organizations offer resources for this type of instruction.
Cities must provide sustained municipal support for swim instruction to ensure every generation has water safety skills. Solutions may vary across cities, such as funding free swim lessons through school programs, offering direct swim instruction through parks departments, or by providing grants to nonprofits and community organizations.
In New York City, the NYC Parks Department offers free “Learn to Swim” programs for all ages, and the New York City Council funds the YMCA and others to partner with the Department of Education in offering swim instruction to thousands of second grade students. Both efforts increase access to swim instruction, especially for those with more limited abilities or greater needs.
- Forge strong philanthropic partnerships
Cities cannot do this work alone. Philanthropic partnerships are essential to advancing and sustaining water safety efforts. By coming together, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and private businesses can leverage resources, expertise, and funding for a larger and more sustained impact. In New York City, the Charles H. Revson Foundation, Grey Foundation, and the Heckscher Foundation for Children, among others, have all supported various nonprofit water safety initiatives impacting thousands of New Yorkers.
Our work in New York City is a sign of what’s possible through sustained efforts and increased collaboration. Every city must determine the best ways to improve water safety in their own communities. With Labor Day behind us, let’s make a lasting commitment to ensuring that everyone has the chance to safely enjoy the water.
Greenberger is the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York, and co-chair of the NYC Citywide Lifeguard & Aquatics Taskforce, a citywide effort comprised of both public and nonprofit aquatics providers.
