ATLANTA (AP) – When Chris Bridges – better known to his fans as the rapper “Ludacris” – was growing up, his mother made sure he knew how to swim.
Just like those who came before him.
“Swimming is generational,” said Roberta Shields, who also runs the Ludacris Foundation. “I’m blessed because my grandfather swam. His grandfather swam. It wasn’t a matter of if you’re learning to swim, but when.”
Unfortunately, far too many kids never get that message, especially in the African-American and Hispanic communities. The result: drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4, and ranks second only to car wrecks for those 5 to 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The USA Swimming Foundation is hoping Ludacris and other celebrities can bring a little star power to its efforts to teach kids how to swim through the “Make A Splash” program – especially in an Olympic year, when there’s a lot more attention on one of the biggest sports at the Summer Games.