NFL Wives, Health Organizations Unite to Combat Drowning Deaths with Water Safety Initiative

Nearly 200 children gathered at Tulane University's Reily Center on February 4 for a comprehensive water safety and CPR training event, marking a significant step in addressing one of America's most pressing yet preventable causes of death. The initiative, spearheaded by the Off the Field National Football League Wives Association in partnership with the American Heart Association, represents a growing effort to combat drowning deaths, particularly among minority communities.

The event, which featured Olympic medalist Cullen Jones, combines critical water safety instruction with Hands-Only CPR training, addressing two interconnected public health concerns. Jones, who holds a world record in swimming despite nearly drowning as a child, provided firsthand instruction to students from the Good Shepherd School and Bissonet Plaza Elementary School.

The significance of this initiative becomes clear when considering the statistics: drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-4 in the United States, according to the CDC. The crisis particularly affects minority communities, with Black children ages 5-19 facing nearly six times higher risk of drowning compared to their white peers. The YMCA reports that 64% of African American children and 45% of Hispanic/Latino children have limited or no swimming ability.

The program's importance extends beyond immediate water safety. According to American Heart Association data, nine out of ten people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, partially due to delayed CPR response. The integration of CPR training with swim safety creates a comprehensive approach to preventing water-related fatalities.

This New Orleans event represents the second iteration of this collaborative effort, following a successful launch in Cincinnati in May 2024. The partnership aims to expand to all 32 NFL markets, potentially impacting thousands of children nationwide. The YMCA of New Orleans will provide participating students with additional swimming lessons through their Safety Around Water program, which has been shown to reduce drowning risk by 88% after just one month of instruction.

The initiative addresses a crucial generational challenge: if a parent cannot swim, there is only a 19% chance their child will learn to swim, according to the USA Swimming Foundation. By providing free access to water safety education and CPR training, the program aims to break this cycle and create new generations of water-safe families.

The collaborative effort demonstrates a strategic approach to addressing racial disparities in swimming ability and drowning prevention, while simultaneously building a broader network of individuals capable of responding to cardiac emergencies. As the program expands to other NFL markets, it has the potential to significantly impact drowning statistics and emergency response capabilities across the United States.