NFL Wives Association and Partners Champion Water Safety and CPR Training for Children

The Off the Field National Football League Wives Association, in partnership with the American Heart Association and other leading organizations, recently hosted a pivotal water safety event at Tulane University's Reily Center. The gathering, which saw the participation of nearly 200 children from the Good Shepherd School and Bissonet Plaza Elementary School, aimed to equip young individuals with essential water safety skills and Hands-Only CPR education. Highlighting the event was four-time Olympic medalist Cullen Jones, who lent his expertise to the initiative.

This event marks the second in a series following a successful launch in Cincinnati in May 2024, with ambitious plans to extend the program to all 32 NFL markets. Dr. Hagar Elgendy, Vice President of the Off the Field NFL Wives Association and NFL Community Development, underscored the initiative's importance, stating, 'We are committed to teaching water safety to our NFL athletes, their family members and NFL communities. No more lives lost due to drownings.'

The urgency of such programs is highlighted by CDC statistics identifying drowning as the leading cause of unintentional death for children aged 1-4 and the second leading cause for those under 14. The disparity in swimming abilities across demographics further exacerbates the issue, with 45% of Hispanic/Latino children and 64% of African American children reporting little to no swimming ability.

Participants at the event were taught critical skills, including how to roll onto their backs if they fall into water, push off the pool bottom, reach for walls, and assist others in distress. The program also incorporated the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, which seeks to double survival rates from cardiac emergencies by 2030. With American Heart Association data revealing that nine out of ten people who suffer cardiac arrest outside hospitals die, often due to a lack of immediate CPR, the training emphasized that prompt CPR can double or triple survival chances.

Elaine Calip, Executive Director of the USA Swimming Foundation, pointed out the critical need for accessible water safety resources, especially in underserved communities. Supporting this, the National Institute of Health notes that just one month of swimming lessons can reduce drowning risk by 88%. The YMCA's involvement through their Safety Around Water program, an eight-lesson curriculum designed to foster water safety skills and confidence, ensures ongoing support. Lindsay Mondick, director of aquatics and water safety at Y-USA, remarked, 'Learning to swim is an essential life skill, not a privilege.'

Coinciding with Super Bowl activities in New Orleans, the American Heart Association will offer additional Hands-Only CPR training at the Super Bowl Experience, further amplifying the message of preparedness and safety. This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the critical issues of drowning and cardiac emergencies among children, showcasing the power of community collaboration in saving lives.