TCAT Helps State Celebrate Learn to Swim Program

Joined by TCAT Acting General Manager Alice Eccleston and other dignitaries, Commissioner Rose Harvey, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, in a ceremony today welcomed children and families to Taughannock Falls State Park’s free Learn-to-Swim program for youth.

In the ceremony, which was held on the scenic Taughannock State Park beach where the park’s first swimming class of the summer was underway, the commissioner praised TCAT for providing its expanded Route 22 summer service. For the second year in a row, Route 22 not only travels to Taughannock, but to Buttermilk Falls and Robert Treman state parks, as well as other area parks to encourage park visitation and youth participation in summer programs, such as the free Learn-to-Swim program.  Anyone enrolled in the Learn-to-Swim program at Taughannock and their guardians who are in need of transportation can obtain a free TCAT pass.

Noting the importance of children developing healthy habits by being active outdoors at an early age, Harvey praised TCAT for expanding its service and offering free bus passes for the Learn to Swim program. As opposed to children hanging out in malls or remaining indoors attached to their cell phones, she said “no child will be left inside in our parks.”

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this service to allow everyone, particularly people without cars and with no other means of transportation; a chance to visit their beautiful start parks on both sides of the county,” Eccleston said. “The expansion of route 22 last year was very successful and we are very proud to continue providing this level of transportation services to our parks and recreation areas again this year and in years ahead with the potential of expanding it even beyond the summer season.”

Working with NY State Parks Finger Lakes Regional Director Fred Bonn and his team, TCAT’s Service Development Manager Doug Swarts, TCAT’s Service Analyst Matt Yarrow and, with the help of TCAT’s operations team, in 2014 expanded the Route 22 to enable all Tompkins County residents travel to more of the area’s beautiful parks seven days a week instead of just weekdays. In 2015, Route 22 weekend service began May 17 and will end on Sept. 6. Weekday service began on June 22, and will end Aug. 21.

“The free “Learn-to-Swim” is so vitally important to teach our children how to swim and enjoy time at the beach,” Eccleston said. “I myself took Red Cross swimming lessons as a child and I can tell you it was a great experience and the skills learned are valuable;  learning how to swim and be safe in the water. “It is a skill that stays with us through the rest of our lives.  We want our children to enjoy our waterways and be safe doing so.”

In closing, Eccleston issued an enthusiastic challenge to those gathered at the ceremony: “So leave your cars home, take the bus, go to the parks and enjoy the day.”