TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into a Reimbursement Agreement with the Long Beach Unified School District, to reimburse the City of Long Beach in an amount not to exceed $70,000, for the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department to provide staffing and other services to conduct a 10-week summer swim program at the Belmont Plaza Temporary Pool, Jordan High School Pool, Martin Luther King, Jr. Pool, and Silverado Pool, from June 20, 2023 to August 25, 2023; and
Increase appropriations in the General Fund Group by $55,017, and in the Tidelands Operating Fund Group by $14,983, in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, offset by reimbursement revenue.
(Districts 3,6,7,9)
DISCUSSION
Following the great success of previous swim programs at Long Beach pools during the summer, City Council approval is requested to enter into a Reimbursement Agreement (Agreement) with the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) to allow the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM) to conduct a 10-week summer swim program (Program) helping youth ages 17 and under develop swimming and water safety skills at the following proposed locations: Belmont Plaza Temporary Pool, Jordan High School Pool, Martin Luther King, Jr. Pool, and Silverado Pool. In 2021, an estimated 9,430 youth participated in the Program. In 2022, participation increased to 9,845 youth.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that ten people drown each day in the United States. A study published by the International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the likelihood of drowning among young children by 88 percent. A study commissioned by the USA Swimming Foundation and conducted by the University of Memphis, found that nearly 70 percent of African American children, and nearly 60 percent of Latino children, have low or no swim ability, putting them at risk for drowning. The USA Swimming Foundation also found that children who swim are more likely to be healthy, have positive self-esteem, and better social interactions with peers. Swimming is a healthy, low-impact activity that has many physical and mental benefits. It is an essential life skill that prevents drowning and provides a fun and challenging way for youth to stay fit while increasing cardiovascular activity that promotes heart and lung health.
The Program is aligned with the goals of both the City’s Strategic Plan for Youth and Emerging Adults as swimming provides many physical and mental health benefits to participants, and with the Parks Make Long Beach: PRM Strategic Plan to provide programs that allow youth of all ages, genders, and abilities to engage in water-related activities.
The proposed Agreement contains the following major provisions:
• Term: The Program will run for 10 weeks spanning June 20, 2023 through August 25, 2023.
• Staffing: PRM will utilize four lifeguards, one senior lifeguard, and one Recreation Leader Specialist to staff the Program.
• Schedule: Proposed/Planned Weekly Schedule for Recreation Swim Sessions:
|
Pool Location |
Days |
Times |
|
Belmont Plaza (Temporary) |
Monday - Saturday Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. |
|
Jordan High School |
Monday - Friday |
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
|
Martin Luther King, Jr. |
Monday - Friday Saturday - Sunday Tuesday, Thursday |
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. |
|
Silverado |
Monday - Sunday |
1:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. |
• Program Costs: All costs incurred by PRM to staff and run the Program will be reimbursed by LBUSD; the agreed cost reimbursement will be $70,000.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on May 30, 2023 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on May 24, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 20, 2023, to enable the execution of the proposed Agreement to capture the entire term of the Program.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total reimbursement revenue from LBUSD will not exceed $70,000, and will reimburse program costs including staff, materials, and supplies. An appropriation increase of $55,017 is requested in the General Fund Group and $14,983 in the Tidelands Operating Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, offset by reimbursement revenue from LBUSD. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. This recommendation will result in a positive impact on jobs. Six temporary seasonal jobs will be created to conduct the Program.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR
PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER