Jersey Desk - YMCA Youth Urge NJ Legislators to Restore Funding for Water Safety, Civic Education

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Youth seek Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez's support.

Students advocate for $1 million in FY2026 budget to expand life-saving swim lessons, hands-on government learning

TRENTON, N.J. - JerseyDesk -- Dozens of young leaders from YMCA Youth and Government programs across New Jersey gathered at the Statehouse last week, urging lawmakers to restore $1 million in the state's proposed FY2026 budget to expand access to life-saving swim lessons and civic education in less-served communities.

About 40 students representing five local YMCAs participated in the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance's Trenton Advocacy Day May 22, where they met with legislators, shared their stories, and called for greater investment in YMCA programs that save lives and build future leaders.

Their visit came during National Water Safety Month, a timely reminder of the urgent need to address drowning disparities and expand access to swim education in underrepresented communities. In New Jersey, 1 in 5 drowning deaths involve children 14 and younger, according to the New Jersey State Department of Health.

"We're here today not just to raise our voices for ourselves, but to stand up on behalf of the thousands of children across New Jersey who deserve the opportunity to learn how to swim and to gain a deeper understanding of how government functions," said Janhitha Veeramachaneni, 17, a member of the Newark Area YMCA and a delegate of Youth and Government. "Programs like these are transformational. They instill confidence, cultivate leadership, and promote safety."

During the day's events, Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill (D-27) formally recognized the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance on the Assembly floor for its "dedication to water safety" and its efforts to ensure that all children—regardless of where they live—have access to life-saving swim instruction. She sponsored the resolution with Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds Jackson (D-15).

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"We are honored by the Assembly's recognition of our commitment to preventing childhood drowning and increasing equity through access to swim lessons," said Julie Gallanty, CEO of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. "State funding is critical to continuing this work, and to building a generation of safe, confident swimmers."

The YMCA Alliance is seeking $1 million in state support to sustain and expand:

Safety Around Water, which provides free swim lessons and water safety education to children in underserved communities, addressing racial and economic disparities in drowning rates.
Youth and Government, which empowers students to experience democracy firsthand through mock legislative sessions, public speaking, and civic engagement.

Senator Gordon Johnson (D-37) and Senator Andrew Zwicker (D-16) are sponsoring the budget resolution for the YMCA Alliance in the Senate, and Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy (D-14) is sponsoring the resolution in the Assembly.

"We are incredibly proud of our student delegates who brought their voices to the Statehouse," Gallanty said. "With restored funding, we can ensure that youth from historically underrepresented communities have equal access to programs that build leadership and save lives."

The impact of current state funding is already clear, Gallanty noted. In FY2025, YMCA Safety Around Water programs expanded to reach thousands of children living at or below 250% of the federal poverty level and 140 new students from less served communities were able to thrive in Youth and Government.

Trenton Advocacy Day gave students a platform to share their stories directly with lawmakers. Many left inspired, knowing their voices could help shape the future of public investment.

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"Being here today gave me more confidence," said Hridhaan Doshi, 12, a delegate with the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison Woodbridge and South Amboy, after sharing his pitch for the importance of water safety education with several legislators.

Samvarth Raj, 14, a delegate with the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, connected with about 15 legislators including representatives from District 11, which includes several shore towns. Being at the Statehouse, he said, "shows that our voices matter."

The Youth and Government participants made it clear that their efforts won't end at the Statehouse. Inspired by their experience and committed to the causes they champion, they plan to continue reaching out to their local representatives, urging them to support increased funding for water safety education and civic engagement programs.

Their message is simple but powerful: every child deserves the chance to be safe in the water and to have a voice in shaping their future.

For more information on YMCA water safety and civic engagement programs and how to support these initiatives, visit the YMCA Alliance website at www.njymca.org.

About the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance
The YMCA Alliance is a statewide nonprofit organization leading a coalition of 30 independent YMCA associations. Through public policy, statewide initiatives, strategic partnerships, and service delivery, the YMCA Alliance fosters a greater ability for YMCAs, community partners and leaders across the state to impact families, improve community health and advance equity. Our collective voice strengthens local communities while promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information, visit www.njymca.org .