New York City Council
Committee on Parks and Recreation
Mar 01, 2024
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01:00 PM
1 hr 50 min
Summary
A hearing on water safety and access to swimming pools in New York City, focusing on strategies to enhance public access to swimming education, address the lifeguard shortage, and develop aquatic culture and infrastructure. Features testimony from the New York City Parks Department, non-profit organizations, community groups, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Commissioner Sue Donoghue Discusses Operations and Challenges of NYC Parks' Beaches and Pools
Commissioner Sue Donoghue provides an overview of New York City Parks' management of beaches and pools, emphasizing the value they add to community wellness and entertainment. - Highlights the jurisdiction …
0:00:00
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13 min
How many visitors did New York City parks department pools and beaches attract last season, and how do these figures compare to previous years?
During the summer 2023 season, New York City beaches and outdoor pools attract over 12.7 million visitors, showing consistency with attendance since 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic's impact. - Over …
0:13:27
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42 sec
How many public pools are managed by the Parks Department, and what is their operational status?
Commissioner Sue Donoghue confirms there are 65 public pool facilities under the Parks Department, with 58 currently open to the public. - The New York City Parks Department manages 65 …
0:14:10
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86 sec
How is the budget for maintaining beaches and pools allocated?
The budget for maintaining beaches and pools isn't allocated by property type but based on serving New Yorkers equitably across boroughs. - The budget covers all boroughs and a diverse …
0:15:38
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46 sec
How many swimming pools are on Department of Education (DOE) property, and are any accessible to the public?
The New York City Parks Commissioner admits to not having the number of swimming pools on Department of Education (DOE) property but highlights the partnership with DOE for swim programs. …
0:16:32
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78 sec
Has there been discussion between Parks and the Department of Education on public access to school pools outside school hours?
The Parks Department and the Department of Education have not specifically discussed opening school pools to the public outside school hours, focusing instead on swim programming and instruction collaboration. - …
0:17:54
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109 sec
How can nonprofit organizations access pools for swim programs in New York City?
NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue explains the constraints in providing access to nonprofit organizations for swim programs due to the priority of public access and the requirement for free programming. …
0:19:44
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101 sec
Can nonprofit organizations access parks for free swim programs?
New York City Parks is open to discussing access for nonprofit organizations to provide free swim programs. - The council member inquires if nonprofits can use park facilities for free …
0:21:26
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15 sec
Shekar Krishnan discusses the lack of swimming instruction and access to pool facilities
Shekar Krishnan discusses the lack of swimming instruction and access to pool facilities in New York City due to budgetary issues and the existing lifeguard crisis. - Highlights the pressing …
0:22:02
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109 sec
What are the current offerings and annual budget for NYC Parks Department’s swim lesson program?
NYC Parks Department offers a comprehensive swim instruction program, including learn-to-swim classes, water safety lessons, and a new swim improvement program for prospective lifeguards. - The program targets New Yorkers …
0:23:53
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135 sec
How does the Parks Department collaborate with nonprofits for swim programming?
The Parks Department collaborates with nonprofit organizations to improve swim programming via a lifeguard task force. - A lifeguard task force including city and nonprofit agencies focuses on collaboration. - …
0:26:08
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84 sec
What is the budget for the Swim for Life and Learn to Swim programs?
The New York City Parks Department does not allocate its budget by program, such as Swim for Life and Learn to Swim, but instead by borough, preventing a specific budget …
0:27:33
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18 sec
Was there an increase in last year's budget for the city's largest swim program, and why was the expansion not realized?
Despite a proposed $5 million increase, the expansion of the 'Swim for Life' program was canceled due to budget cuts. - There was a proposal to increase funding by $5 …
0:27:51
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48 sec
How were employees affected by the Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) budget cuts?
Commissioner Sue Donoghue states that employees were not impacted by the Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) budget cuts related to a new program, as it hadn't started yet, but …
0:28:40
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101 sec
What is the current availability of swimming classes in NYC parks, and where are they located?
NYC Parks officials detail the availability of swimming classes across the city, highlighting various programs and their locations. - Swim team programs are conducted in 8 pools, learn-to-swim programs in …
0:30:56
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140 sec
How does the NYC Parks Department address water safety and plan to expand pool access?
The NYC Parks Department discusses their water safety initiatives and plans for expanding pool access to enhance swimming education and safety awareness, particularly in underserved communities. - The department emphasizes …
0:33:33
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101 sec
Shekar Krishnan highlights the lack of access to public pools and the need to partner with non-profits to augment swim programming
Shekar Krishnan highlights the stark lack of access to public pools and the need for expanded partnerships to augment swim programming. - Krishnan points out the significant gap in public …
0:35:21
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104 sec
Gale Brewer's statement on Intro 130 for composting plant waste in city parks
Gale A. Brewer, a council member, advocates for the introduction of composting facilities for plant waste in NYC parks to enhance environmental sustainability and park aesthetics. - Her legislation, intro …
0:37:10
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164 sec
What are the current efforts and plans for hiring lifeguards for NYC's beaches and pools this summer?
The New York City Parks Department is actively recruiting lifeguards amidst a national shortage by offering increased wages and enhancing recruitment strategies. - Lifeguard wages have been increased to $22 …
0:40:10
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3 min
How has the number of lifeguard test sites in NYC changed, and where are they located?
The number of lifeguard test sites in NYC doubled from 9 in 2023 to 17 in 2024, with expansions in the outer boroughs and several new partnerships. - Lifeguard test …
0:44:00
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138 sec
How does the current staffing level for lifeguards compare to the required number?
Council Member Shekar Krishnan inquires about lifeguard staffing levels, revealing a discrepancy between the necessary and current numbers, with improvements noted for 2023. - The necessary number of lifeguards is …
0:46:45
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102 sec
How are new recruits and returning lifeguards contributing to meeting the staffing needs?
Council Member Shekar Krishnan questions the strategy for reaching the required number of lifeguards, involving both new recruits and returning personnel, and examines factors affecting the shortage and solutions. - …
0:48:28
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76 sec
How do New York City's efforts to recruit lifeguards compare to other cities?
New York City faces challenges in recruiting enough lifeguards, similar to a national shortage, despite efforts to enhance the appeal of the job. - Commissioner Sue Donoghue emphasizes New York …
0:49:43
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3 min
What are the qualification standards for New York City lifeguards?
The NYC Parks Department outlines the specific standards for lifeguard qualification, including vision requirements, swimming speed, form, and training achievements. - Candidates must have 20/30 vision in one eye and …
0:53:22
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66 sec
What are the vision prescription requirements for lifeguards, and do all current NYC Parks-employed lifeguards meet them?
The NYC Parks Department expects both new and returning lifeguards to meet specific vision prescription requirements. - The beginning prescription requirement is 20/40 in one eye and 20/30 in the …
0:54:29
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43 sec
Why is only Parks Department certification accepted for lifeguard hiring, and is it possible to consider other certifications?
Council Member Shekar Krishnan questions the Parks Department's exclusive use of its own certification for hiring lifeguards and suggests exploring other certifications to expand the pool of candidates. - The …
0:55:14
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86 sec
Do the Department of Education and Parks Department have different certification requirements for lifeguards?
Council Member Shekar Krishnan addresses the inconsistency in lifeguard certification requirements between the Department of Education and the Parks Department. - Commissioner Sue Donoghue from the New York City Parks …
0:56:41
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51 sec
How are lifeguard training locations chosen to ensure accessibility for all New Yorkers?
The New York City Parks Commissioner confirms that they have doubled the number of lifeguard training sites to enhance citywide accessibility. - Sue Donoghue mentions the addition of training sites, …
0:57:35
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122 sec
How can lifeguard belongings be moved out of the teen room at the 59th Street Rec Center?
Efforts are underway to secure storage solutions for lifeguard belongings in the teen room at the 59th Street Rec Center. - Gale A. Brewer inquires about the status of moving …
0:59:50
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54 sec
Shanna Blanchard, Representative of the Water Safety Coalition, on Comprehensive Water Safety Measures in NYC
Shanna Blanchard advocates for comprehensive water safety measures and calls for increased support and funding in New York City. - Blanchard supports Council Member Krishnan's 5-point water safety plan and …
1:07:12
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4 min
Nora Cronin on Addressing the Inequities and Challenges in Swimming Education in NYC
Nora Cronin outlines the disparities and needs in swimming education for low-income communities and people of color in NYC. - Highlights the lack of public swimming pools in NYC and …
1:11:24
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3 min
Shawn Slevin on Enhancing Water Safety and Building an Aquatic Culture in NYC
Shawn Slevin, Executive Director of Swim Strong Foundation, discusses the foundation's role in enhancing water safety and fostering an aquatic culture in New York City. - Slevin highlights Swim Strong …
1:15:17
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9 min
Kaitlin Krause, Commissioner at the New York State Commission to Prevent Childhood Drowning, on a Comprehensive Citywide Approach to Water Safety
Kaitlin Krause presents a five-point plan aimed at transforming water safety and drowning prevention in New York City. - The plan calls for collective action involving city agencies, non-profits, educational …
1:24:29
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3 min
Sharon Levy on Enhancing Swimming Access, Instruction, and Safety in New York City
Sharon Levy, Senior Vice President for Public Affairs at the YMCA of Greater New York, testifies on expanding swim access and instruction. - Levy highlights the YMCA's commitment to empowering …
1:28:52
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6 min
Sherrise Palomino, Director of Advocacy and Programs at New Yorkers for Parks, on Water Safety Challenges and Legislative Initiatives
Sherrise Palomino testifies on the critical issue of water safety at NYC's beaches and pools amidst budget cuts, advocating for legislative initiatives to extend recreational access and enhance environmental sustainability. …
1:35:22
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3 min
Justin Green, Executive Director of Big Reuse, on Eviction of Composting Site and Advocacy for Legislative Support
Justin Green, Executive Director of Big Reuse, discloses the potential eviction of their composting site by the Parks Department and champions for the support of community composting through legislative action. …
1:39:07
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3 min
Eric Goldstein on Advocating for Community Composting in NYC
Eric Goldstein discusses the critical role and challenges of community composting in New York City. - Eric Goldstein emphasizes the environmental and financial benefits of treating community composting as an …
1:42:12
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6 min