Swimming safety advocates want New York investment used for new pool

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Memorial Day is often the unofficial start of summer and many will start turning to the pool to stay cool, but there really aren’t many pools in WNY.

“The city pool pool is shrinking,” said Mike Switaslki, executive director of the City Swim Project.

This has several impacts, including more frequent drownings.

“Without pools, kids won’t learn to swim,” Switalski said. “Swimming is the only sport that, if you know how to do it, can save your life.”

For him, it’s more than a sport, it’s about overcoming the cultural and economic barriers faced by his 500 swimmers.

“The diverse communities involved in the sport of swimming are…I wouldn’t say neglected, but they don’t have the access that they should receive,” Switalski said.

Her goal is to expand that access, as does Governor Kathy Hochul’s, through her NY Swims initiative. But he says the plan leaves out organizations like his since it is aimed at municipalities.

However, he plans to work with the City of Buffalo to modernize our aging aquatic infrastructure. But what he really wants to see is a new swimming pool.

“Bring it to a community of color to build a brand new facility that can move us forward for decades in this community and also address water safety and education needs,” Switalski said.

WKBW Digital Staff

He wants this money specifically for swimming pools, not wading pools. He says more pools means more kids learning to swim, which leads to more lifeguards becoming community members with life-saving skills.

“It’s exciting to see this investment from the governor,” Switalski said. “This is a good first step, there is still a lot to do over time.”

The application period for the NY Swims grant opens on June 13, 2024, we will know where the money is going in August.

City Swims needs swim instructors, has a swim team and offers lessons, click here for more information.