Black People Will Swim: Teaching Aquatic Skills Amidst Historical Segregation

Addressing Aquatic Segregation and Drowning Risks

• ⚠️ A significant disparity exists, with Black children being five times more likely to drown compared to their counterparts.
• 🎯 The statistic that six out of ten Black children do not know how to swim highlights a critical need for intervention.

Black People Will Swim Initiative

• 🚀 Founded in 2020 by Paulana Lamineer, 'Black People Will Swim' is a non-profit organization dedicated to changing the narrative that Black people cannot swim.
• 💡 The organization aims to bring the number of Black children who cannot swim down to zero by making swim lessons more accessible.

Overcoming Barriers to Swim Lessons

• 💰 Swim lessons can be cost-prohibitive, creating a barrier for many.
• 🤝 'Black People Will Swim' partners with other organizations, like Outdoor Afro, to offer scholarships and financial assistance.
• 🌍 The goal is to ensure that no one in America faces barriers to connecting with water.

Personal Stories and Impact

• 🌱 Tamika Bostik, a 42-year-old taking lessons for the first time, shares her experience of growing up without access to pools.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Bostik emphasizes the importance of teaching her daughters this basic life skill to ensure their safety.
• 🏆 The initiative has awarded over 3,000 'swimmerships,' equipping individuals with a life-saving skill.