HARRISBURG, Pa. — The crucial importance of swimming lessons in the Black community has been brought to the forefront. Despite its status as a life skill, significant obstacles are preventing many individuals from learning how to swim, leading to alarming statistics of drowning incidents among Black adults and children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Black people have the second highest drowning rates, with a staggering 63% of Black adults reporting never having taken a swimming lesson.
In 2021, drowning increased 28% among Black people compared to 2019.
In response to these alarming figures, proactive community members like Leitha Jefferson of York County have taken the initiative to enroll their grandchildren in swim classes to prevent tragic accidents.
“They always love swimming in the bathtub so I said let me investigate and get them some swim lessons,” said Jefferson.
FOX43’s Cyera Williams tackled this challenge by taking her first swimming lessons. Williams highlighted the prevalence of unease around swimming in the Black community and stressed how overcoming this fear could potentially be life-saving.
The cost of swim lessons, limited access to swimming pools, and ingrained fears of water have been identified as major barriers preventing African Americans from enrolling in swim classes.
The CDC states some barriers and challenges Black communities face are:
Swimming lessons are too expensive or not accessible.
Fear of water.
Pool setting or training not welcoming.
Feeling uncomfortable wearing traditional swimwear.
Discussing the significant impact of learning to swim, instructors underscored the urgency of introducing children, especially those from minority backgrounds, to swimming lessons early on. They emphasized that given the abundance of water in our surroundings, the ability to swim is a valuable life skill and a crucial safety measure.
Financial constraints and limited availability of swimming pools in urban areas have emerged as additional challenges contributing to the underrepresentation of African Americans in swim lessons. However, efforts are being made to address these barriers, including the provision of affordable lessons and the introduction of ready-to-swim classes in underserved communities.
“It can be a lack of finances and it can also be a lack of pools in the cities, a lot of times there are not that many pools,” said Patty Neigdigh, a York JCC Aquatics Instructor.
Acknowledging the importance of swimming as a life skill, instructors and lifeguards have reiterated the necessity of promoting awareness and access to swim lessons within the Black community.
“I say a lot of Black people drown because in today’s world either one-- like their fear they overthink it about the water. Instead of them thinking ‘Oh I’m going to come back up’ they’re thinking ‘Oh I’m not going to come back up,’” said Antonio Eubanks, a supervisor lifeguard at Jackson Lick Pool.
Jackson Lick Pool officials decided to tackle that statistic, with over 50 kids benefitting from ready-to-swim classes and acquiring essential swimming abilities within a short period.
As the issue of swimming proficiency continues to gain visibility, there is a growing consensus that breaking down barriers to swim lessons in the Black community is not only a matter of personal empowerment but also a critical step in preventing tragic drowning incidents.
It is evident that enhancing access to swim lessons, addressing financial constraints, and instilling water safety awareness are essential steps toward creating a safer environment for everyone, irrespective of their background.