LIFE LESSONS

ELECTED OFFICIALS DISCOVER IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN TO SWIM

State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey and Council Member Kevin Riley recently took part in an 8-week course at the Northeast Bronx Y to learn how to swim. In a video shared on the Y’s Instagram, both officials recounted the fear they felt as adult learners and shared how important it is to improve access to swimming pools and lessons, particularly in communities of color.

With support from the New York City Council, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and YMCA of the USA, the Y partners with New York City Public Schools to provide free swim lessons in our Second Grade Swim program.•

(top) Council Member Kevin Riley channels his newfound inner merman, (above, l to r) State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, Y swim instructor, and Council Member Kevin Riley get comfortable in the pool;