African Americans and Swimming
Cullen Jones
There's a rich heritage of African and African American swimmers. The latest star is Cullen Jones, who gold-medaled for 2008 U.S. Olympic Team.
Fred
Buoyancy Myth
There was once a notion that African Americans' bodies were denser than caucasians' bodies and that this gave African Americans a disadvantage in learning to swim. This notion has been debunked, but word still hasn't gotten around.
Even if African Americans' bodies were denser, it wouldn't matter: anyone can learn to swim. Few bodies are denser than Fred's, our retired Oakland, California cop / student who became a volunteer assistant in our classes, and then became a full-fledged instructor. His lean students look at him and say, "If he can do it, I can do it." Almost everyone can float, but if you're like Fred who can't float even with his lungs as full as birthday balloons, you can still feel safe in water and learn to swim, as he did.
Maritza Correia
Getty Images: Streeter Lecka
Maritza
From Kelli, a student in our Colorado
2008 class: "When I found your website,
I was drawn to the link for African-
Americans. There's a belief in the
black community that we can't swim.
Your site was the first I ever encountered
that addressed this. How thoughtful!"
"In realizing that my back float
is
a bit more difficult for me in the
deep water, this belief came back to me:
"What are you doing out here. You
know we don't swim."
Hair Care Challenges
Yes, we all want to look good. But if you're struggling in deep water somewhere, hair will not be your concern. Surviving will the the issue of the moment. Knowing how to stay in control, tread water or float calmly on your back will make the difference when it comes to controlling your own destiny. Think about it. What would you say to braids, or corn rows, or short hair for a few months, or getting your hair done the day after class, so you can become safe in water at last, for the rest of your life? Or, so you can enjoy the water with your kids or grandchildren?
Listen to African Americans, Swimming and Hair
an episode of The Learn To Swim Show, January 13, 2011.
Click on
dash011311.mp3 when you arrive at that page.
Here, Michelle G., a guest on that show, shares resources she found for African Americans' hair care.
Maritza Correia
- 2004 Olympic silver medallist in 400m free relay
- Became the first African American woman to be on the U.S. Olympic swim team and first African American woman ever to set an American record in swimming
- American record-holder in 50y free (previously held by Amy Van Dyken) 2003 NCAA Champion in the 50 and 100 freestyles, and a gold medallist from the freestyle relay at the 2003 World Championships
< Pete from New Jersey didn't take lessons for many years, due to his hair. Then he decided fun and safety were more important. He's a guest on the radio show.
More Programs for African Americans and Inner City Kids Coming
The incidence of drowning in the African American and Native American populations is disproportionately high. Our new non-profit organization, 21st Century Swimming Lessons, Inc. is now raising funds to bring our lessons to both of these communities. First stop, Sarasota, Florida.
Movie about an African American swim team, a true story: Pride
Released in March, 2007.
A true feel-good movie: recommended.