SUNY Delhi Reflects on Community Impact of NY SWIMS Grant

09/08/2025 — SUNY Delhi recently hosted a gathering at the college pool to celebrate the impact of the NY SWIMS grant awarded to the campus last year. The event highlighted the positive outcomes of expanding access to swimming education and recreation at SUNY Delhi and the greater Delhi region through the program.

SUNY Delhi was one of 12 SUNY campuses last year to receive funding through Governor Kathy Hochul's NY SWIMS initiative, which allocated nearly $150 million statewide to make public pools more accessible to New Yorkers through swimming instruction, lifeguard training, and safety certifications.

Over the past year, the grant has produced measurable results on campus and in the region:

• More than 230 residents from 12 towns and villages participated in swim lessons.
• Over 4,600 patrons, including children, adults, and families, used the pool.
• 12 individuals earned lifeguard certification through the Waterfront and Bloodborne Pathogens class.
• 6 individuals completed lifeguard recertification.
• 6 individuals earned CPR-AED certification for Professional Rescuers.

"This grant has had a positive ripple effect throughout the Delhi community and beyond," said SUNY Delhi President Mary Bonderoff. "We are seeing lives touched, skills gained, and a community strengthened right here in Delhi. SUNY Delhi is proud to do our part in ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to benefit from aquatic education and recreation."

SUNY Delhi plans to offer similar opportunities for the community in the upcoming year with through the extension of the grant. Announcements will be posted on the SUNY Delhi Aquatics Center website.

Members of the SUNY Delhi community, including President Mary Bonderoff and student lifeguards, celebrate the impact of the NY SWIMS Grant and the Kunsela Pool on campus.