ROME — The Rome Family YMCA and the City of Rome have joined forces in an effort to provide safe, supervised summer fun for the city’s youth, according to officials with both organizations.

The partnership includes an effort to open city pools with certified lifeguards, offer swim lessons, expand the YMCA’s day camp and host a summer youth basketball league.

“The city of Rome is very pleased to be a partner with the YMCA to offer our children summer activities at our parks and lifeguards at the city pools. Our collaboration allows both entities to offer swimming lessons, summer basketball at the Y’s indoor gyms, YMCA Day camp at Gryziec Field and public swimming at three city pools,” said Mayor Jacqueline M. Izzo.

“This shared services model worked very well last year and this year we are able to expand the partnership in a manner that is very cost effective and takes advantage of the Y’s resources to train and provide lifeguards to the city pools,” Izzo added.

“As we all move forward, we believe that partnering with organizations, community groups, and the city and school district is the best way to stay relevant and continue offering programs that benefit our community,” said Bruce Hairston, Rome YMCA Branch Director.

“If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we all need each other to keep our communities thriving,” Hairston added.

Community swimming

Three of the city’s five pools — Tosti Pool, Municipal Pool and a toddler pool at Guyer Field — will be open with lifeguards provided by the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley’s aquatics department. In addition, Saturday swimming will be available at Tosti Pool with YMCA lifeguards — certified through the American Red Cross — on duty.

• Tosti Pool, 200 Sixth Street — Open Monday - Friday, June 27 to Aug. 26, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Saturdays, July 9 to Aug. 13, Noon to 5 p.m.

• Municipal Pool, 500 W. Embargo St.: Monday - Friday, June 27 to Aug. 26, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and

• Guyer Wading Pool, 701 Laurel St.: Monday - Friday, June 27 to Aug. 26, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Any high school or college student interested in joining the Y’s team of certified lifeguards for either Rome or Oneida, can apply online at ymcatrivalley.org or contact Noah Farmer, regional aquatics director, nfarmer@ymcatrivalley.org.

Swim lessons

YMCA swim instructors will teach Level 1, 2 and 3 swim lessons at Tosti Pool on Mondays and Wednesdays, July 11 to Aug. 17, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. All instructors have completed the YMCA Level 1-3 curriculum. The fee for Rome residents is $30 and $40 for non-Rome residents.

People may pre-register for swim lessons during the city’s open registration day, Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to noon on the green behind City Hall, 198 N. Washington St. For additional information, call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Activities at 315-339-7656.

Day camp

As a result of the YMCA and City of Rome partnership, the Y-Care Summer Day Camp will be held outdoors at Gryziec Field, on the corner of South James Street and Muck Road. In the event of inclement weather, activities will move indoors at the YMCA, 301 W. Bloomfield St.

The state licensed day camp will run from Monday, June 27, through Friday, Sept. 2, for children in kindergarten through age 12. More information and enrollment details can be found at www.ymcatrivalley.org or by calling the Rome YMCA at 315-336-3500.

Y-Care day camp is also available in Oneida and New Hartford. Go online to www.ymcatrivalley.org for information.

Summer basketball clinic

The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Activities will hold basketball clinics for boys and girls in the Rome YMCA’s gym. The clinics run from July 5 to Aug. 5 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The clinic for ages 5-8 will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.; and ages 9-12 will play from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

People can sign up for the clinic at the city’s open registration day or by calling 315-339-7656.

Mission

The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley serves the greater Rome, Oneida and New Hartford areas with programs and services for the whole family. It is a certified non-profit organization with two primary branches in Rome and Oneida and school-age childcare in the New Hartford area. The Y’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

The mission of the City of Rome Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Activities is to provide diversified recreation programs and facilities for all its citizens in a safe and enjoyable environment.