STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Some Staten Island students will have the opportunity to learn to swim for free this year through a new program designed to address swim inequality in underserved communities.

The Heckscher Foundation for Children is providing a grant to fund a swim program between the YMCA of Greater New York, the JCC of Staten Island and the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. The initiative will serve students at 11 public elementary schools in mid-to-north Staten Island during the 2025-26 school year.

“Swimming is more than a recreational activity — it’s a life-saving skill that builds confidence and promotes equity,” said Peter Sloane, chairman and CEO of the foundation. “Too many children in low-income communities grow up without this basic competence.”

Approximately 800

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