Q&A
Debate on the implementation of the council bill for universal swim lessons
1:01:19
·
55 sec
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 this goal.
- Council Member Menin emphasizes the bill's requirement for a more universal program
- Commissioner Donoghue cannot provide a specific timeline for full implementation
- Factors affecting implementation include availability of school pools, transportation, and aquatic instructors
- The Parks Department expresses commitment to expanding the program but cites various constraints
Julie Menin
1:01:19
But under the council bill, it requires more of a universal program.
1:01:24
The idea that we would get up to speed where we are providing free swim lessons to all second graders who need it.
1:01:32
When would you anticipate that the agency could meet that goal?
Sue Donoghue
1:01:36
That's not something I could answer today.
1:01:38
It's absolutely something that we're focused on, and we agree with you.
1:01:41
As I said, swim for life has been an important priority of ours for years.
1:01:45
We start it back in 2005.
1:01:48
It depends on a number of factors, including availability of school pools, blessing of kids to those pools, and availability of aquatic instruction.
1:01:58
So we are increasing.
1:02:00
We increased from last year.
1:02:02
Served over 20,000 with look between our learn to swim and our swim for live programming, we're always looking to be able to expand and working closely with the Department of Education on partnerships and available pools so we can do that.
Julie Menin
1:02:14
So I'm glad you mentioned the availability of pools.
