Nearly 200 children received crucial water safety training and CPR education at Tulane University's Reily Center on February 4, marking a significant collaboration between the Off the Field NFL Wives Association, American Heart Association, USA Swimming Foundation, and YMCA of the USA.
The initiative addresses alarming statistics: drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional death for children aged 1-4 in the United States, with Black children ages 5-19 facing nearly six times higher risk of swimming pool drowning compared to their white peers. The program's significance is further highlighted by data showing that 45% of Hispanic/Latino children and 64% of African American children have limited or no swimming ability.
Four-time Olympic medalist Cullen Jones, who nearly drowned as a child before becoming the first African American to hold a world record in swimming, led the in-water clinic. The event featured comprehensive training including Hands-Only CPR instruction, automated external defibrillator (AED) education, and essential water safety skills.
This marks the second such event following a successful launch in Cincinnati in May 2024, with plans to expand to all 32 NFL markets. The initiative's timing is particularly relevant as studies show that just one month of swimming lessons can reduce drowning risk by 88%, according to the National Institute of Health.
The program's impact extends beyond immediate training, as participating students from the Good Shepherd School and Bissonet Plaza Elementary School will receive supplemental lessons through YMCA New Orleans. This comprehensive approach addresses a critical gap in water safety education, particularly in households where parents may not know how to swim - a factor that results in only a 19% chance of children learning to swim.
