TC3 Set to Expand Swimming Classes & Lifeguard Certification

Thanks to a $36,300 grant from New York State, Tompkins Cortland Community College will increase access to lifeguard training and learn-to-swim classes.

The SWIMS Initiative has allocated nearly $2 million from the FY 2025 Budget to SUNY campuses solely to offer lifeguard courses and expand youth swimming classes. By collaborating with local schools and community organizations, SUNY is also incentivizing their students to become lifeguards by covering the cost of the certification courses and providing college credits to those who complete them. Alfred Okaru, Recreation and Aquatics Coordinator at TC3, and Assistant Coordinator Madisyn Zimmer, will oversee operations.

“Congratulations to our SUNY campuses for earning a SWIMS grant to expand swimming programs and keep New York’s community pools and beaches safe,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “SUNY is proud to be a key partner in the SWIMS Initiative, and we are grateful for the generosity of Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature in issuing necessary funding for our campuses to help turn the SWIMS vision into a reality.”

4,000 people drown in the United States each year, which also makes drowning the leading cause of death for children under 5 years old. This initiative hopes to strengthen swimming knowledge in children and get both the local and SUNY communities involved in doing so.