Free Learn-To-Swim Program offered this summer at New York State Parks

HARRIMAN — Kids can learn to swim for free this summer at 27 State Parks across New York.
The swimming instruction program is led by state park lifeguards and offered by The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
“The New York State park system is an exceptional place for children to build mind and muscle and learn new skills,” New York State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said in a statement.
“Through the support of Governor Cuomo's NY Parks 2020 initiative and our partners in the Learn-to-Swim program, we are revitalizing state park system and expanding the opportunities for both children and adults to make strong connections with the great outdoors and healthy, active living."
The 2018 Learn-to-Swim season includes hundreds of individual classes taught for all ages and levels, varying from swim lessons to water safety presentations at 27 locations across the state.
Enrollment for the Learn-to-Swim program remains open at many participating New York State Parks. Programs are free and pre-registration is required.
Information on schedules and how to sign up can be found at the Learn-to-Swim page of parks.ny.gov. Space is limited and programs fill up quickly.
Each swim program is 40 - 45 minutes in duration and participants who complete the lessons will receive a Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Achievement Booklet and a State Parks Learn-to-Swim kit that includes a knapsack, T-shirt and water bottle.
Lessons at Harriman State Park Locally, Learn To Swim classes will be held at Lake Tiorati Beach in Harriman State Park on weekdays from Monday, July 23 until Friday, Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Registration is required and those interested should call (845) 429-8257.
Lake Tiorati Beach at Harriman State Park is located at 2300 Seven Lakes Drive Southfields, NY 10975.
The American Red Cross provides free training to State Park lifeguards to obtain Water Safety Instructor certification, allowing them to teach swimming classes. The free Learn-to-Swim program also builds on the instruction already offered at state park facilities as part of programs arranged by summer camps, municipalities and other partner organizations.
The Learn-to-Swim program expands the governor's commitment to serving more youth at State Parks. In 2016, the Governor announced the Connect Kids to Parks program, which provides free day-use park entry to fourth-grade students and their families, and in 2017 funding for the program doubled to $1 million. During the last school year, the program served over 77,000 students.
“Drowning prevention has been part of the American Red Cross mission since 1914. For more than a century, the Red Cross has partnered with organizations like New York State Parks to teach millions the life skills of swimming and water safety," said Colleen McCabe, executive director, Southern Tier Chapter of the American Red Cross. "We are proud to be part of this successful collaboration through our Aquatics Centennial Campaign to help make so many New Yorkers water competent and water smart."
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 71 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov, or find them on Facebook, on Instagram and on Twitter.