Learn to Swim

WHAT: Government Employees Health Association, Inc. (G.E.H.A) is teaming up with the YMCA of Greater Boston to expand on no-cost swim lessons for the Boston area through the G.E.H.A Learn to Swim Program. This initiative aims to improve health outcomes by promoting aquatic safety and reflects G.E.H.A’s commitment to supporting the well-being of its members and member communities.

WHY: According to recent data, 57 people lost their lives to drowning in Massachusetts, with drowning the national leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 and the second-leading cause of unintentional deaths for ages 5-14. 

G.E.H.A and the YMCA are working to reduce these tragedies by providing 200 local children with free swim lessons and safety around water training. Each participant will receive swim gear, including a co-branded towel, waterproof G.E.H.A sack pack and, if needed, a new swimsuit, removing barriers to participation.

The G.E.H.A's Learn to Swim Program is a nationwide initiative spanning nearly 20 cities, equipping more than 5,000 students across the U.S. with essential water safety skills by the end of 2025. This program empowers families with life-saving knowledge, fostering confidence and safety in and around water.

WHO:
Interview opportunities are available with:

• Vice President, Member Experience, Corporate Communications and Social Responsibility, G.E.H.A
• Vice President, Product, G.E.H.A
• David Shapiro, CEO, YMCA of Greater Boston

 

WHERE: Huntington Avenue YMCA – 316 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 

WHEN:

• Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
• Time: 1:30 p.m. Eastern time

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

• G.E.H.A PR / pr@geha.com
• Regan Sullivan (MERGE) / rsullivan@mergeworld.com / 469.288.1803
• Matt Wilder (YMCA of Greater Boston) / matt@wilderstrategies.com / 617.504.1718

MORE INFO: Visit GEHA.com/learntoswim or www.ymcaboston.org.


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 and retired military 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 Greater Boston
The YMCA of Greater Boston, one of Massachusetts' leading nonprofits and America’s first Y, is dedicated to enhancing the mind, body, and spirit of individuals and families in our communities. For more than 170 years, the Y has been developing skills and emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse populations, preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities. We provide welcoming, belonging, and opportunity for all. For more information, visit Home - YMCA of Greater Boston (ymcaboston.org), or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.