The USA Swimming Foundation, the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming, worked alongside the American Heart Association, YMCA of the USA, and the Off the Field NFL Wives Association to bring water safety to the forefront of New Orleans youth in the days leading up to the Super Bowl LIX.

Yesterday, the four nonprofit organizations welcomed more than 150 children from the Good Shepherd School and Bissonet Plaza Elementary School to participate in a free specialized learn-to-swim clinic at Tulane University’s Reily Center. Cullen Jones, a USA Swimming Foundation Ambassador, four-time Olympic medalist, and current world record holder, led the clinic. Jones, who nearly drowned as a child, is the first African American to hold a world record in swimming.

The USA Swimming Foundation offered additional free opportunities for USA Swimming members in the New Orleans area. Yesterday morning, Jones led a master’s clinic and practice for Riptide Masters Swimming, where he provided technique instruction and personal coaching to members in attendance. After the clinic at Tulane University, Jones attended the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission Jets Swim Team practice. Athletes aged 5-18 years old and their coaches were inspired by Jones’s personal story, given personal technique instruction, and provided mentoring for future development.

“The USA Swimming Foundation is thrilled to provide another free opportunity for children to access the lifesaving skill of learning how to swim,” USA Swimming Foundation Executive Director Elaine Calip said. “As the only sport that can save a life, our crucial work continues to impact communities nationwide who may not have access to water safety resources. We are proud to continue our work with the Off the Field NFL Wives Association, American Heart Association, and YMCA of the USA to support our mission of Saving Lives, Building Champions, and Impacting Communities.”

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional deaths in the United States for children aged 1-4 years old and the second leading cause for children under the age of 14. Knowing the statistics, the four organizations worked together to provide the first event of its kind in Cincinnati last year, with a goal to expand to all 32 NFL markets.

“There are some things you do from necessity and some things you do from passion. This is both for us. We are committed to teaching water safety to our NFL athletes, their family members and NFL communities. No more lives lost due to drownings,” said Dr. Hagar Elgendy, Vice President Off the Field NFL Wives Association and the chair of Community Development.

The event also included Hands-Only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) education for attendees.

“We want more people to be confident and capable when faced with a cardiac emergency, adding more people to the Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which intends to double survival rates by 2030,” said Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association. “This collaboration is an excellent example of meeting people where they are to deliver lifesaving education to ensuring that everyone, everywhere is prepared and empowered to perform CPR and help save a life.”

“Learning to swim is an essential life skill, not a privilege,” said Lindsay Mondick, Director of Aquatics and Water Safety at Y-USA. “The Y’s Safety Around Water program is the first step in equipping children with essential water safety skills and we’re excited to partner with Off the Field and bring this key program to so many children in New Orleans.”  

“I think it was a wonderful opportunity for the students,” Good Shepherd School teacher Austin Smith said. “It was an opportunity that they really needed because it’s a life lesson that they can take with them forever. We want more of it. I think (hearing Cullen Jones’s story) meant a lot to bring it into perspective because a lot of kids don’t know how to swim. They can now realize the importance of why they need to learn.”

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