New York City Council
Committee on Parks and Recreation
Sep 24, 2024
·
01:00 PM
1 hr 44 min
Summary
A hearing on water safety and drowning prevention at NYC's public pools and beaches.
Discussions focused on:
- Improving lifeguard recruitment
- Expanding swim education programs
- Increasing pool access in underserved neighborhoods
- Implement comprehensive water safety measures
Features testimony from the Department of Parks and Recreation and the public, including family members of drowning victims and water safety advocates.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Introduction and overview of NYC's public pools and beaches
Council Member Shekar Krishnan introduces the hearing on water safety and drowning prevention at NYC's public pools and beaches. He provides an overview of the city's aquatic facilities, including 53 …
0:00:32
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89 sec
Recent drowning incidents and statistics in NYC
Council Member Krishnan highlights the alarming increase in drowning deaths at NYC beaches during the past summer. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing this crisis and the need for more …
0:02:02
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106 sec
National drowning statistics and disparities among communities
Council Member Krishnan presents national drowning statistics and highlights the disparities in swimming abilities and access to swim education among different communities. He emphasizes that drowning is a preventable crisis …
0:03:51
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88 sec
Inequitable access to pools across NYC boroughs
Council Member Krishnan highlights the significant disparities in access to public pools across New York City's boroughs. He emphasizes the need for better resource allocation to address these inequities. - …
0:05:20
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73 sec
Lifeguard shortage and its impact on public safety
Council Member Krishnan discusses the persistent lifeguard shortage in NYC and its impact on public safety at pools and beaches. He highlights the Parks Department's efforts to address the issue …
0:06:35
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155 sec
Proposed legislation: Intro 275 - Extended pool and beach hours
Council Member Krishnan introduces the first point of his five-point plan to improve water safety: expanding the hours and seasons for pools and beaches. He discusses the proposed legislation, Intro …
0:09:12
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148 sec
Proposed junior lifeguard corps program
Council Member Krishnan introduces the second point of his five-point plan: creating a junior lifeguard corps program. This initiative aims to address the lifeguard shortage and provide opportunities for students. …
0:11:42
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102 sec
Expansion of free swim programs
Council Member Krishnan presents the third point of his five-point plan: expanding free swim programs for New Yorkers. He emphasizes the importance of universal access to swim instruction and highlights …
0:13:24
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122 sec
Need for more public pools
Council Member Krishnan presents the fourth point of his five-point plan: building more public pools across New York City. He emphasizes the current lack of access for many New Yorkers. …
0:15:27
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17 sec
Proposed Atlas of Aquatics programs
Council Member Krishnan introduces the fifth point of his five-point plan: creating an Atlas of Aquatics programs. This initiative aims to improve access to information about swimming programs across the …
0:15:45
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61 sec
Resolution 469 - Recognition of International Water Safety Day
Council Member Krishnan introduces Resolution 469, which aims to recognize May 15th as International Water Safety Day in New York City. - The resolution would bring awareness to the epidemic …
0:16:49
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34 sec
City Council's actions to address the water safety crisis
Council Member Krishnan highlights the proactive steps taken by the City Council to address the water safety crisis in New York City. He emphasizes their commitment to action in the …
0:17:24
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85 sec
Call for urgent action from city administration
Council Member Krishnan concludes his remarks with a strong call for urgent action from the city administration to address the water safety crisis in New York City. - He emphasizes …
0:18:50
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27 sec
Introduction and overview of NYC Parks' aquatic recreation commitment
Commissioner Sue Donoghue introduces herself and key staff members, highlighting NYC Parks' commitment to improving New Yorkers' quality of life through aquatic recreation. She emphasizes the importance of public beaches …
0:20:16
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109 sec
Beach and pool attendance statistics for the 2024 summer season
Commissioner Donoghue announces the completion of the 2024 summer beach and pool season, providing attendance figures for both types of facilities. - 7,400,000 New Yorkers visited the city's beaches during …
0:22:06
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18 sec
Increase in lifeguard recruitment and retention efforts
Commissioner Donoghue details the successful efforts to increase the number of lifeguards serving the city, resulting in significant growth compared to the previous year. - 930 lifeguards at the season's …
0:22:25
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104 sec
New safety protocols implemented during heat waves
Commissioner Donoghue outlines a new safety measure implemented by NYC Parks during extreme weather conditions. - During heat waves, beach lifeguards and parks enforcement patrol provided additional support in responding …
0:24:10
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26 sec
Swim instruction programs and their importance in preventing drownings
Commissioner Donoghue emphasizes the critical role of water safety and swim instruction programs in saving lives, particularly for children and communities of color. - Learn to Swim program served 3,000 …
0:24:37
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84 sec
Reintroduction of Senior Splash program
Commissioner Donoghue announces the return of the popular Senior Splash program for the first time since the start of the pandemic. - The program served more than 900 seniors during …
0:26:02
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31 sec
Infrastructure investments in pools and aquatic facilities
Commissioner Donoghue highlights the administration's commitment to investing in building and repairing pools and related facilities to ensure equitable access to safe swimming spaces. - Reopening of a historic pool …
0:26:34
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68 sec
Announcement of 'Let's Swim NYC' capital investment plan
Commissioner Donoghue announces a major capital investment plan called 'Let's Swim NYC' to improve and expand the city's public pools. - Over $1 billion investment over 5 years, the largest …
0:27:43
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62 sec
State funding for pool renovations and new aquatic center
Commissioner Donoghue announces additional funding from New York State for pool renovations and a new aquatic center. - Governor Hochul awarded over $46 million to NYC through the NYS Swims …
0:28:46
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44 sec
Ongoing challenges in lifeguard recruitment and request for support
Commissioner Donoghue addresses the continuing challenges in lifeguard recruitment and outlines plans for the upcoming season. - Emphasis on beach safety as the top priority for the upcoming 2025 summer …
0:29:31
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86 sec
Review of proposed legislation related to aquatic safety and recreation
Commissioner Donoghue briefly addresses the legislation being heard at the meeting. - The agency is in the process of reviewing the bills related to aquatic safety and recreation - Expresses …
0:30:58
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26 sec
Council Member Krishnan opens hearing and acknowledges attendees
Council Member Shekar Krishnan opens the hearing by thanking Commissioner Stephanie and acknowledging the work of the Parks Department. He recognizes the presence of Council Member Paladino joining virtually. - …
0:31:34
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25 sec
Criticism of Parks Department's celebration amid water safety crisis
Council Member Krishnan criticizes the Parks Department and City Hall for celebrating a 'successful' beach and pool season despite the highest number of drowning deaths since before COVID. Commissioner Donoghue …
0:31:59
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4 min
Discussion on lifeguard staffing numbers for 2024 beach season
Council Member Krishnan inquires about the total number of lifeguards hired for the 2024 beach season and their distribution between beaches and pools. Commissioner Donoghue provides the requested information. - …
0:36:05
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101 sec
Debate on the administration's approach to water safety education
Council Member Krishnan criticizes the administration's focus on telling New Yorkers what not to do rather than providing proactive solutions. He argues for more creative measures to address foreseeable issues …
0:37:47
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94 sec
Discussion on beach signage effectiveness and Let Swim NYC investment
Commissioner Donoghue and Council Member Krishnan discuss the effectiveness of beach signage and the Let Swim NYC investment. Donoghue defends the current signage, while Krishnan expresses concerns about its clarity …
0:39:24
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3 min
Parks Department's efforts to educate the public about water safety
Commissioner Donoghue outlines the Parks Department's efforts to educate the public about water safety, particularly at beaches. She highlights various initiatives undertaken during the summer season. - Urban park rangers …
0:42:37
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67 sec
Additional safety measures implemented at beaches during summer
Commissioner Donoghue details additional safety measures implemented at beaches during the summer in response to drowning incidents. These measures aimed to enhance beach safety and extend coverage. - Parks enforcement …
0:43:44
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130 sec
Discussion on PEP officer staffing and its limitations
Council Member Krishnan and Commissioner Donoghue discuss the Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) officer staffing and its limitations in covering both parks and beaches. The conversation highlights the challenges of patrolling …
0:45:54
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66 sec
Parks Department's plans for improving water safety in future seasons
Commissioner Donoghue outlines the Parks Department's plans for improving water safety in future seasons, focusing on recruitment efforts and infrastructure improvements. - Preparation for the 2025 season already underway, including …
0:47:02
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97 sec
Information on public pool openings and closures
Commissioner Donoghue provides detailed information about the number of public pools under the Parks Department's jurisdiction that are currently open and closed, including both outdoor and indoor pools. - 53 …
0:48:41
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98 sec
Acknowledgment of Aminatu Noah and remembrance of drowning victims
Council Member Krishnan acknowledges the presence of Aminatu Noah, mother of drowning victim Elijah Chandler, and emphasizes the importance of honoring those who have lost their lives at NYC beaches. …
0:50:18
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63 sec
Request for detailed budget allocation information for beaches and pools
Council Member Krishnan requests detailed information about budget allocation for beaches and pools from Commissioner Donoghue, emphasizing the importance of understanding resource distribution. - Krishnan asks for a breakdown of …
0:51:22
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31 sec
Council Member Holden inquires about recent drowning incidents and lifeguard presence
Council Member Robert F. Holden questions Commissioner Sue Donoghue about the seven drowning incidents that occurred this year. The Commissioner provides information on the circumstances of these incidents, revealing that …
0:51:54
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47 sec
Council Member Holden discusses swim instruction and pool availability in the city
Council Member Robert F. Holden raises concerns about the lack of pools in his district and explores the possibility of adding smaller training pools to recreation centers for swim instruction. …
0:52:41
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150 sec
Council Member Krishnan inquires about lifeguard training sites and accessibility across the city
Council Member Shekar Krishnan questions Commissioner Sue Donoghue and First Deputy Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa about the number and accessibility of lifeguard training sites across New York City. The discussion reveals …
0:55:12
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3 min
Inquiry about the status of free swim lessons for 2nd graders
Council Member Julie Menin inquires about the status of a previously passed bill requiring the Parks Department to provide free swim lessons to 2nd graders. Commissioner Sue Donoghue responds by …
0:58:45
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68 sec
Discussion on the capacity and expansion of the Swim for Life program
Council Member Menin presses for details on the resumption and capacity of the Swim for Life program. Commissioner Donoghue provides information on the program's current status and recent expansion. - …
0:59:53
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87 sec
Debate on the implementation of the council bill for universal swim lessons
Council Member Menin and Commissioner Donoghue discuss the implementation of the council bill requiring universal swim lessons for second graders. The debate centers on the timeline and capacity for meeting …
1:01:19
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55 sec
Exploration of pool availability and utilization for swim lessons
Council Member Menin discusses a pilot program that mapped out available pools in the city and suggests utilizing these resources for expanding swim lessons. Commissioner Donoghue responds to questions about …
1:02:14
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75 sec
Suggestion for Parks Department to consider alternative pool options
Council Member Menin concludes by urging the Parks Department to think outside the box and consider utilizing pools from schools and universities for swim lessons. She emphasizes the potential of …
1:03:30
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28 sec
Inquiry about DOE swimming pools and public accessibility
Council Member Krishnan inquires about the number of swimming pools on Department of Education (DOE) property and their accessibility to the public. Commissioner Donoghue explains that while she doesn't have …
1:03:58
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60 sec
Challenges in expanding pool and beach season
Council Member Krishnan inquires about the feasibility of implementing legislation to expand pool and beach opening hours and season length. Commissioner Donoghue explains the challenges faced in extending the season. …
1:04:58
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3 min
Lifeguard recruitment and training efforts with DOE students
Council Member Krishnan inquires about efforts to recruit and train DOE students as lifeguards. Commissioner Donoghue outlines the Parks Department's extensive recruitment efforts. - Parks Department has increased recruitment efforts, …
1:08:44
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152 sec
Clarification on Learn to Swim and Swim for Life programs
Council Member Krishnan seeks clarification on the differences between the Learn to Swim and Swim for Life programs. Commissioner Donoghue explains the distinctions and discusses program capacity. - Swim for …
1:11:17
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120 sec
Astoria Pool staffing and capacity challenges
Council Member Krishnan, on behalf of Council Member Caban, inquires about lifeguard shortages and long wait times at Astoria Pool. Commissioner Donoghue explains the situation and measures taken. - Astoria …
1:13:19
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4 min
Incident involving religious attire at Astoria Pool
Council Member Krishnan raises concerns about an incident where a woman wearing a hijab was prevented from entering Astoria Pool. Commissioner Donoghue addresses the Parks Department's policies on religious attire. …
1:17:34
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4 min
Cultural sensitivity training for pool staff
Council Member Krishnan inquires about cultural sensitivity training for pool staff. Commissioner Donoghue outlines the Parks Department's approach to staff training. - Parks Department emphasizes customer service training for all …
1:22:18
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89 sec
Suggestion for kid-friendly water safety PSAs
Council Member Krishnan suggests developing kid-friendly PSAs to communicate drowning prevention and water safety tips. Commissioner Donoghue responds to the idea. - Parks Department already uses social media to emphasize …
1:23:48
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44 sec
Community outreach and education in drowning prevention
Council Member Krishnan inquires about the role of community outreach and education in the Parks Department's drowning prevention strategy. Commissioner Donoghue outlines various initiatives. - Urban park rangers conduct tabling …
1:24:32
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74 sec
Collaboration with city agencies on water safety
Council Member Krishnan asks about the Parks Department's collaboration with other city agencies to promote water safety across different demographics. Commissioner Donoghue explains the partnerships. - Close collaboration with the …
1:25:46
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65 sec
Testimony by Amina Noah, Member of the Public
Amina Noah, a mother who lost her only son in a drowning incident, shares her personal grief and calls for improved water safety measures. She emphasizes the need for more …
1:28:24
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128 sec
Council member expresses condolences and commits to action on water safety
Council Member Shekar Krishnan offers heartfelt condolences to Amina Noah, who lost her son to drowning. He commits on behalf of the City Council to work towards preventing future drownings …
1:30:33
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73 sec
Council member calls for a moment of silence for drowning victims
Council Member Shekar Krishnan calls for a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives in the water during the year.
1:32:32
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26 sec
Testimony by Maryam Shuaib, Representative from Malikah, on Muslim Women's Access to Public Pools and Water Safety
Maryam Shuaib, representing Malikah, a nonprofit organization protecting Muslim women, testified about the discrimination and challenges Muslim women face in accessing public pools and beaches in NYC. She highlighted a …
1:33:27
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3 min
Testimony by Olga Perez, Founder of MVP Lifeguards, on NYC Department of Health Making Waves Program
Olga Perez, founder of MVP Lifeguards, testified about their involvement in the NYC Department of Health's Making Waves program, which provides progressive swim lessons and lifeguard training in select schools. …
1:37:29
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129 sec
Testimony by Kaitlin Krause, Founder and Executive Director of Rising Tide Effect, on Water Safety Crisis
Kaitlin Krause, representing Rising Tide Effect, addresses the NYC City Council about the urgent water safety crisis in the city, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent drownings, especially …
1:39:56
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3 min
