Statistics show city kids are more likely to have accidents in the water. That's why one Western Mass camp is now offering swimming lessons to its urban campers. The first time in the camp's history.

The statistics are alarming says President of the Urban League of Springfield.

"70 percent of the fatalities in accidents around water are attributed to African Americans and Latinos, " says Henry Thomas.

And he says the reason is simple.

"Inner city kids don't get the exposure, they don't have the money to pay for swimming lessons, " adds Thomas.

But one Western Mass camp for city kids is now trying to break the cycle. For the first time in the camps 87-year history, Camp Atwater in North Brookfield is offering intense swimming lessons to more than 300 children.

"Learning to swim has not yet been an option, now it is and we want to make sure all communities can take advantage of it, " says John Cruzat of the USA Swimming Foundation.

The camp which is owned by the Urban League of Springfield teamed up with officials from the USA Swimming Foundation. Through the Make a Splash initiative, campers will learn the basics to stay alive and spark an interest that could start a career.

"We hope to see pathways of other opportunities, like maybe the campers joining swim teams or going on to higher education, " explains Thomas.

The USA Swimming foundation is providing campers with swimsuits, caps, kick boards and goggles..and a certified swimming instructor. Campers are already feeling confident in the water.

"I really like it, I think everyone should learn to swim, " says camper, Zakiel Saxton.