Gilman Student Dives into Making a Difference for Kids in Baltimore
When Ashton Christo ’26 trained to become a lifeguard in 2023, he was surprised to learn about the startling statistics related to drowning deaths in the United States. As he worked that summer lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons to children at a neighborhood pool, he decided he wanted to do something about it.
Faculty member and high school student create water safety program for inner-city kids
With nationwide drownings on the rise, it is no surprise that high school student Ashton Christo from Gilman School in Baltimore, MD reached out to Dr. Ramos for advice and support on creating his own swim program for children in his community.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Ramos, Christo launched “Splash Ahead: Teaching Skills, Saving Lives,” a five-week water safety program, in direct partnership with community summer program Bridges, offered annually at the school.