Ogden City and Government Employees Health Association (GEHA) announced an expansion of their partnership to provide no-cost swimming and water safety lessons to Ogden-area youth on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. The expansion, announced at the Marshall N. White Community Center, will provide lessons to 625 additional students.
A $35,000 contribution from GEHA will fund the program, which includes new private lessons for students with sensory needs. According to officials, the partnership has already helped approximately 900 children during its first two years of operation. GEHA President and CEO David Hakanson stated that the program aims to create opportunity and build confidence by removing barriers to obtaining swimming lessons.
Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski noted that the program helps protect children from accidental drowning by proactively providing life-saving experiences. He highlighted the Marshall N. White Community Center as a primary host for the lessons, noting the facility is named after Dr. Marshall N. White, an officer and detective who dedicated his life to youth recreation.
Ogden City Recreation Supervisor Cydnee Clarke said the program seeks to break barriers by providing necessary items such as towels and swimsuits to students as needed. Additionally, the program will expand to include lessons at the Lorin Farr Community Pool starting next spring, marking the first time the outdoor pool has hosted such lessons since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The partnership between Ogden City and GEHA is currently in its third year. GEHA reported that the organization is involved in similar programs in over 20 cities across the country, providing access to more than 12,000 students.
