According to the US CDC, the fatal drowning rate of African-American children between the ages of 5-14 is three times that of white children.
This rate is alarming and suggests to me that there is a disproportionate amount African-American children who are unable to swim.
Contributing Factors
Prof Jeff Wiltse, author of Contested Waters: A Social History of Swimming Pools in America, noted that the history of discrimination in the US has contributed to swimming and drowning rates among African-Americans.
During segregation, black Americans were systematically denied access to pools.
In addition, there are many variables that contribute to swimming not becoming a popular part of African America’s recreational culture These include fear, lack of access, lack of interest, having parents who can’t swim, lack of economic ability to invest in lessons, and even concern about chlorine’s effect on African-American hair.
Swimming Lessons
Teaching our children to swim can literally save their lives. Swimming is an essential survival skill that I believe everyone should posses. Although I am not the best swimmer, I did take lessons as a child, and currently have my daughter in swimming lessons at Aqua-Tots Swim Schools.
It has been very rewarding to see my child work through the initial fear of the water, and gain confidence. She is excelling in her classes and has some awesome instructors. I want her to know that swimming, like any other sport or activity, is one she has access to and can excel in.
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