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 to teach our classes, and then became a full-fledged instructor. His lean students take a 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

From 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?

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

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. The International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida has always had the banner slogan, "Every American A Swimmer." Trouble was, they had no way to accomplish this since they didn't have a way to teach swimming to students who were afraid in water. They met MSI in September, 2006. Now the two organizations have partnered to bring Every American Water Safety and Swimmerhood. The first step? Go to the populations that would benefit most: African-Americans and Native Americans.

Movie about an African-American swim team, a true story: Pride

Released in March, 2007.
A true feel-good movie, recommended.