BALTIMORE – The Baltimore Ravens and the Government Employees Health Association are launching a new program with the Y in Central Maryland to reduce barriers to water safety with the Learn to Swim program.

According to the American Red Cross, drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children under 14. Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%.

However, not everyone has access to affordable swimming lessons.

According to the Red Cross, 79% of children in households with incomes of less than $50,000 have little or no swimming skills.

“Form of survival”

The Ravens, GEHA and the Y of Central Maryland enable children to learn a lifesaving skill by providing them access to formal swim lessons.

“Many of us learn to swim for fun, but really swimming is a form of survival,” said John Hoey, president and CEO of the Y of Central Maryland.

“Learn to Swim” program

The Y has selected children from community schools for the new Learn to Swim program at the Y of Central Maryland. They will receive swim lessons and a free two-month family membership at the Y of Central Maryland.

“The Ravens and GEHA scholarship will enable 100 young people to learn to swim and become members of this Y,” Hoey said.

To reduce barriers to participation, each student receives a new swim towel with the program logo and a swimsuit provided through a fundraiser by GEHA employees and donations from Under Armour.

“When we come together to address an issue like equality in swimming, we have even more power,” said Heather Darney, vice president of public relations for the Baltimore Ravens.

GEHA Sales Manager Raj Vavilala says students will not only gain new skills but also more confidence

“When they overcome their fear, learn to swim and go out into the world, that power they feel will take them many places,” Vavilala said.