Hochul launches 'Get Offline, Get Outside,' announces free pool access at state parks

New summer campaign promotes physical & mental health by encouraging kids to put down their phones and computers and enjoy the outdoors

√ Launches $1.5 million grant program to help kids access transportation to swimming lessons

Gov. Kathy Hochul launched the “Get Offline, Get Outside” summer campaign to “promote physical and mental health by helping New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.”

Hochul kicked off the campaign by announcing the state is waiving swimming pool entry fees at New York State Parks this summer.

Additionally, Hochul launched the $1.5 million Connect Kids to Swimming Instruction Transportation Grant program to help with transportation to swimming lessons as part of the NY SWIMS initiative. This follows the governor's $150 million NY SWIMS investment to support pools in underserved communities – New York's biggest investment in swimming since the New Deal.

Hochul made today’s announcement at Riverbank State Park Pools in New York City alongside local elected officials.

“We’re making it easier for our young people to put down their phones and computers, enjoy time with friends and family, and stay active all cross our state,” Hochul said. “Summer is here – get offline and get outside.”

Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign builds on her efforts to promote healthy living among young people and families across New York.

She recently signed legislation – the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act and New York Child Data Protection Act – “to protect kids from addictive social media feeds and shield their personal data from online platforms.”

As part of her $1 billion investment in mental health statewide, Hochul has expanded access to mental health care and resources for young people and their families, including school-based mental health clinics and youth assertive community treatment teams.

Removing pool fees at state parks

Hochul announced the state is waiving pool entry fees for the rest of this summer at swimming pools located at state parks throughout New York. Regular parking fees still apply at state parks locations that include on-site parking.

Hochul has also initiated a pilot program at state park pools to offer free sunscreen to help families stay safe in the sun and enjoy the outdoors.

Locally, New Yorkers can now visit the Fort Niagara State Park pool in Youngstown without being charged entry fees this summer.

Helping kids learn to swim

Hochul’s team said, “Recognizing that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, and that climate change will increase extreme heat events, NY SWIMS will build out municipal swimming facilities in high-need areas, connect New Yorkers to the state’s rivers and lakes, deploy pools in urban environments, and invest in state parks and pools. It will also promote initiatives to help more New Yorkers swim safely by addressing the statewide lifeguard shortage, increasing swimming instruction, and increasing amenities at pools and beaches.”

Hochul announced a $1.5 million Connect Kids to Swimming Instruction Transportation Grant program. Administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), the grant program will connect New York school-age children (pre-K through grade 12) with swimming instruction by reimbursing transportation costs (including parking and vehicle use fees) incurred by eligible entities for travel to facilities in New York that are operated by state, municipal, and not-for-profit organizations, and offer swim instruction for a nationally recognized learn-to-swim curriculum such as the American Red Cross, YMCA or Starfish Aquatics.

The program allows for grant recipients to be reimbursed up to $45,000 per fiscal year for eligible transportation expenses. There is no matching share required. Applications will be received on a rolling basis. Grant details and guidelines are available on the State Parks website.

Hochul has also directed SUNY to collaborate with schools, youth and community-based organizations, and municipalities to increase learn to swim opportunities across every region of the state. Additionally, New York will incentivize SUNY students who are skilled swimmers to become lifeguards by covering the cost of a lifeguard certification exam, and by giving college credit for lifeguard training courses.

Building out municipal pools in high-need areas

Hochul recently announced that up to $90 million from the new $150 million NY SWIMS capital grant program is now available. Included in the fiscal year 2025 enacted budget and the 2024 State of the State, the program offers grants between $50,000 and $10 million to acquire, design, construct or reconstruct facilities, provide major renovations, improvements, and modernization or rehabilitation of swimming facilities and natural swimming areas.

The request for applications for the first round of funding was posted May 1 at www.dasny.org and www.parks.ny.gov.

The first application period for the NY SWIMS capital grant opened June 13. Applications must be submitted by July 12. Awards are expected to be announced no earlier than Aug. 28. Applications will be evaluated on characteristics of projects’ need, impact and viability.

Making SUNY pools community anchors

Hochul secured nearly $2 million in the FY 2025 budget for SUNY campuses to offer lifeguard certification courses and expand access to learn-to-swim classes for youth. SUNY will collaborate with schools, youth and community-based organizations and municipalities to increase learn to swim opportunities across every region of the state.

Hochul’s team added, “In addition, New York will incentivize SUNY students who are skilled swimmers to become lifeguards by covering the cost of a lifeguard certification exam, and by giving college credit for lifeguard training courses. Any SUNY campus with an operational swimming pool will be eligible for funding. Applications are currently available and awards will be made in the coming weeks.”