Queens, NY (Oct. 15, 2025) — Today, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced a $100,000 grant awarded to the YMCA of Greater New York for its Community Lifesavers Lifeguard Initiative and the Jamaica YMCA’s community programming. YMCA and Anthem leaders announced the funding at a ceremonial check presentation at the Jamaica YMCA branch. This investment will help the YMCA – the city’s largest swim safety provider – address the ongoing lifeguard shortage in New York City, which has reached crisis levels, forcing the closure of pools and beaches and limiting access to swim instruction and water safety.

The Community Lifesavers Lifeguard Initiative is a citywide workforce development and certification program. With this one-year investment, the YMCA aims to train and certify more than 50 n

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