Project Play WNY Launches Project Play Swim Initiative to Promote Swim and Water Safety

Expanding Access to Swim Education in Underserved Communities

To address the need for swim and water safety skills development in low-income and under-resourced communities, Project Play WNY has launched its Project Play Swim initiative. This program is designed to provide free swim lessons and other water safety education to youth in Buffalo, with a focus on historically disadvantaged neighborhoods. It is a response to the growing need for equitable access to swim education, an essential life skill that can also save lives.

Project Play Swim includes new funding and support for swim lessons at Buffalo Public School #89, The Belle Center, and the Resource Council of WNY. The initiative builds upon existing Project Play WNY funding for swim lessons with the City Swim Project, the JCC of Greater Buffalo, and the Buffalo Police Athletic League's lifeguard certification and training program. This initiative aims to break down barriers that prevent many individuals in Buffalo from accessing swim education, ultimately fostering greater community engagement with water safety.

Aaron Hord, Director of Project Play WNY, explained the initiative's importance: "Swim is a lifelong sport that all children should have the opportunity to learn. With Project Play Swim, we’ve partnered with local organizations to open access to swimming, particularly in some of our city’s most underserved communities."

Learn to Swim Programming with Buffalo Public Schools Project Play Swim’s pilot Learn to Swim program, offered in partnership with YMCA Buffalo Niagara, provides swim lessons for youth enrolled in after-school programming at Buffalo Public School #89 (Dr. Lydia T. Wright School of Excellence). These lessons began in mid-December and will run through March for children ages 5 to 13 who are enrolled in the program.

Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams Knight expressed her support: "Learning to swim is not only fun but, more importantly, a lifesaving skill. I am pleased that Project Play WNY has partnered with YMCA Buffalo Niagara to offer this program at the Dr. Lydia T. Wright School of Excellence, providing students with access to a healthy activity that is also potentially lifesaving."

Swim Programming at Community Centers In addition to the school program, the Resource Council of WNY is offering Learn to Swim lessons through its All STARS after-school program. These lessons will be available twice a week. On Fridays, swim lessons will also be open to community youth ages 5 to 12 from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Families interested in enrolling can call 716-783-8259 for more information.

Catherine Roberts, President and CEO of the Resource Council of WNY, emphasized the significance of the program: "The Resource Council has the only indoor swimming facility located in the heart of the East Side of Buffalo, and we want to ensure that community youth have access to high-quality swim instruction to prevent drownings and provide essential water safety skills."

be available every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. for youth enrolled in after-school care. On Fridays, lessons will be open to the public for youth ages 5 to 12. Families interested in these lessons can reach out to Tyler Boehm, Youth Director, or Nadia Feliciano, SACC Director, at (716) 845-0485 for more details.

Strengthening Lifeguard Certification In addition to swim lessons, Project Play WNY is funding lifeguard training and certification courses through the Buffalo Police Athletic League. This initiative addresses the city's lifeguard shortage and helps ensure that city pools can remain open and fully staffed during the summer months. The funding is part of a collective impact strategy led by Project Play WNY and supported by local sports organizations, community centers, and others.

Expanding Swim Programming Across the Region Looking ahead, Project Play WNY plans to continue expanding its funding for swim programming and engage additional partners across the region. The initiative aims to increase the number of youth who can learn to swim, encourage families to enjoy swimming together, and inspire more individuals to consider lifeguarding as a profession.

"We’re excited to continue building a collaborative system that expands swim instruction and programming," said Hord. "These efforts will ultimately support happier children, healthier families, and a stronger community."

To learn more about the Project Play Swim initiative, visit www.projectplaywny.org/swim/.