The mystery of why so many black Britons still can't swim

The article discusses the disparity in swimming abilities among black Britons compared to the general population. According to Swim England, 67% of black women and 44% of black men in England cannot swim 25 meters unaided, which is significantly higher than the national average. The reasons behind this disparity are multifaceted.

Historically, racial exclusion from pools in some countries, such as the United States, contributed to the belief that black people were poor swimmers. However, recent research conducted by the University of Portsmouth, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and the Black Swimming Association (BSA) in 2023 debunked the myth that black people have denser bones than white people, making it harder for them to float. The study found that bone density does not predict swimming ability.

Cultural factors also play a role. Alice Dearing, a former Olympic swimmer and co-founder of the BSA, suggests that some black people might have internalized the belief that they cannot swim due to negative experiences or a lack of exposure to swimming. Additionally, many black families have a history of non-swimming, which can perpetuate the cycle of non-swimming across generations. Starting swimming later in life can feel particularly daunting for beginners, as it requires vulnerability and humility.

To address this issue, organizations like Swim Dem Crew are working to encourage more people of color to get into the water. However, the barriers to swimming start well before entering the pool, often rooted in family dynamics. For instance, parents who cannot swim may inadvertently transmit the fear and lack of familiarity with the water to their children. Breaking this cycle requires challenging ingrained beliefs and providing accessible swimming opportunities for all.