Fewer than half of all Americans know how to swim. Missouri Valley YMCA aims to change that with their Safety Around Water program.

In July, the Caring Foundation entered a 5-year partnership with the Missouri Valley YMCA in Bismarck to help fund their Safety Around Water program. This program teaches children of all ages and from all backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared, as long as they know how to stay safe in and around water.

In Safety Around Water, kids learn what to do if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly. Children learn fundamental water safety skills including what to look for in a safe place to swim and how to conserve energy if they must swim a long distance.

"With Blue Cross Blue Shield's Caring Foundation supporting this program and working together as a partner in the Y, we're able to make this come alive in our community," said Bill Bauman, Executive Director and CEO of Missouri Valley YMCA.

Watch Bill's full testimonial here: