Black children are drowning. Race and poverty should not be barriers to swim lessons.
Every child should learn to swim. However, there are barriers we must overcome to make that happen. They are alarming: Factors that determine children’s safety in water include economic status, geography and even race, which is supported by startling statistics. There are some troublesome historical reasons for this – but thankfully, there are solutions.
Anecdotally, we know that access to safe pools and swim lessons are key factors in ensuring water safety for children. But, all too often, children who live in economically challenged areas or homes simply don’t have the opportunity to take swim lessons. Indeed, their zip code determines their likelihood of drowning because in too many cases, they simply may not have reliable transportation options to even get to a pool to learn how to swim. The painful fact is that location, transportation and costs are barriers for many families, and children pay the price.
Race is a factor for learning to swim
Heartbreaking statistics point to race as a key factor in drowning likelihood. According to the USA Swimming Foundation, 64% of Black Americans have little to no swimming ability (compared to 40% among white Americans). Recognizing this may explain why Black people drown at a rate 1.5 times higher than white people. For Black children, the disparity is much wider. The rate of death by drowning is more than two and a half times higher for children between ages 5 and 9, and then balloons to more than three and a half times higher for Black children ages 10-14.
Generational fear of water creates a dangerous cycle
Statistics also tell us that when an adult parent does not know how to swim, the children in that household only have a 19% chance of learning to swim themselves. So if the parents grew up poor and/or without access to a pool to learn how to swim, or were unable to learn how to swim due to segregated pools in the mid part of the last century – it’s more likely their own children did not learn how to swim. I have personally observed families that demonstrate fear of the water that is handed down for generations, i.e. a generational fear. This sad fact can cause resistance to learning to swim even when access exists. It can be a vicious cycle. Every child should learn to swim.
The YMCA of Greater Louisville believes strongly that health and well-being should not be dictated by past racist policies, what neighborhood someone lives in or if they can afford to learn to swim. Health Equity includes Swim Equity and has one overriding purpose: to save lives. We want swimming to be accessible to everyone who wishes to learn. We will seek collaborations with government and partners to explore ways to keep aquatic facilities available.
Health equity includes swim equity
Additionally, we are expanding our Safety Around Water Program so that we can educate more young people how to respect water and navigate dangerous situations. We are having three special Safety Around Water clinics this summer on June 10 (at Republic Bank Foundation YMCA), June 16 (at Shawnee pool) and July 8 (at Central High School pool). These are free and open to the public. Children, teenagers and adults are all encouraged to attend. Attendees can get in the water or remain on the side of the pool to participate. To register, please visit:https://www.ymcalouisville.org/programs/swimming/water-safety#register.
My first Y job was to lifeguard and teach swimming. Over my career, I’ve taught thousands of children to swim. Safety is of the utmost importance. Swimming is a healthy activity that can be maintained over a lifetime. Skill development promotes a sense of achievement that carries to other life experiences. I have seen the twinkle in the eyes of children (and adults) as they go from “I can’t” to “I can!” With that confidence, they actually stand a little taller. Research indicates there is a positive correlation between learning to swim and academic achievement.
We must invest in water safety educational resources as a community
Lastly, to continue to advocate for Swim Equity in our community, we are investing in educational resources that will help parents and children learn water safety tips, find swim lessons and implement safety protocols available to every family in our community, regardless of race. These resources will be available on our website, social media channels, and on-site at our branch locations.
The YMCA of Greater Louisville is committed to promoting Swim Equity and reducing drowning incident rates among all children, and in particular those from communities where statistics tell us they are at greatest risk. Together, maybe we should share ideas like bringing back the Starfish program where every second grader received swim lessons during the school year. As a community, let’s share ideas so we can make swimming safe and fun for young people. This summer, let’s make this our community’s mantra: Every child should learn to swim.
Steve Tarver is President & CEO of The YMCA of Greater Louisville
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Swim equity: Black children are drowning for lack of access to lessons
