Learn to Swim

WHAT: Government Employees Health Association, Inc. ("G.E.H.A”) is partnering with Ogden (UT) City Recreation to launch the G.E.H.A Learn to Swim Program in Salt Lake City-Ogden. This initiative aims to tackle cultural and geographical barriers to health equity via aquatic safety, addressing national disparities.

Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children ages 5-14 — a sobering reminder of how vital swimming education is. G.E.H.A and Ogden City Recreation are working to reduce drowning incidents and enhance generational health by teaching swimming skills, improving safety awareness, and providing necessary equipment. In an outdoor recreation region that features more than 13,000 acres of lakes, swimming and aquatic safety for local residents are paramount to health.

Key program highlights:

1. Community Impact: G.E.H.A is providing an inaugural $23,000 grant to Ogden City Recreation, enabling 300 students to access crucial aquatic safety education and equipment over the coming year.
2. Addressing Barriers to Participation: To tackle access barriers affecting overall health, G.E.H.A is dedicating part of the $23,000 to purchase swim equipment, aiming to bridge the access gap. Each student will receive a new swim towel with the program and Ogden City Recreation’s logos, a waterproof sack pack, and a gender-appropriate swimsuit, where needed.
3. National Impact: This initiative is part of a broader national effort by G.E.H.A to provide generational health opportunities and increase aquatics access for 3,000 people across 15 cities by the end of 2024.

WHO: In-person and virtual interview opportunities are available with the Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer at G.E.H.A on Tuesday, December 10, in the Salt Lake City area. In addition, the Mayor of Ogden, Mayor Ben Nadolski, will be in attendance for the program launch. Mayor Nadolski will be available for interviews at the program launch event.

WHERE: Ogden City Municipal Building, 9th Floor Lobby (2549 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, UT 84401)

WHEN:

1. Date: Tuesday, Dec. 10
2. Time: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Mountain Standard time

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Lisa Chism (G.E.H.A) / Lisa.Chism@geha.com / 816.434.4560, x3110
Regan Sullivan (MERGE) / rsullivan@mergeworld.com / 469.288.1803
Mike McBride (City of Ogden, UT) / mikemcbride@ogdencity.com / 801.629.8988

MORE INFO: Visit geha.com/LearnToSwim.