Learn to Swim

WHAT:  Government Employees Health Association, Inc. ("G.E.H.A")  is partnering with the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington to launch the G.E.H.A Learn to Swim Program for the first time in Washington, D.C. This program reinforces G.E.H.A’s unwavering commitment to improving generational health for its members and member communities via aquatic safety, addressing national disparities.

Aquatic safety is vital for the area, especially in the midst of summer as families spend more time near water for gatherings like the 4th of July. By offering tangible resources and support, G.E.H.A and the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington aim to reduce drowning incidents and create generational health.

Key program highlights:

• Community Impact: G.E.H.A is providing an inaugural $35,000 in support, empowering 400 local children with free aquatic safety and swimming lessons. This funding equips each participating student with new swim gear, including a co-branded towel and a waterproof G.E.H.A sack pack, ensuring they have everything they need to learn and stay safe in the water. Where needed, students will also receive a new swimsuit, addressing these areas as barriers to participation in healthy activities.
• National Impact: This effort supports G.E.H.A’s national goal to impact 5,000 students in 18 cities by the end of 2025. Washington, D.C. joins 15 other cities nationwide that are currently part of the G.E.H.A Learn to Swim Program, where G.E.H.A. provides its members with access to healthy activities and improved overall well-being.

WHO: Interview opportunities are available with:

• G.E.H.A, Vice President – Member Experience, Corporate Communications and Social Responsibility
• Allison Jones, Chief Public Policy and Impact Officer at the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington

WHERE: YMCA of Metropolitan Washington — Anthony Bowen Branch (1325 W St. NW, Washington, DC 20009)

WHEN:

• Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
• Time: 1:30-2:00 p.m. Eastern time; Photo/video b-roll at 2:15 p.m. at pool.

MEDIA CONTACTS:  

G.E.H.A PR / pr@geha.com

Regan Sullivan (MERGE) / rsullivan@mergeworld.com / 469.288.1803

Whitney Stringer (YMCA PR) / whitney@whitneystringer.com / 814.876.0640 

About Government Employees Health Association (G.E.H.A)  

G.E.H.A is a nonprofit member association that provides health and dental benefits to more than 2 million federal employees and retirees, military retirees and their families. Offering one of the largest medical and dental benefit provider networks available to federal employees in the United States, G.E.H.A empowers health and wellness by meeting its members where they are, when they need care. G.E.H.A is committed to its members and their communities.

About YMCA of Metropolitan Washington

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a nonprofit organization striving to foster the spiritual, mental and physical development of individuals, families and communities; by all and for all. Through our comprehensive programs and services, we work to enrich communities and ensure that everyone can reach their full potential with dignity. The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington currently operates in 14 locations across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. To learn more and support the Y's impact, please visit www.ymcadc.org.