Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4. This danger is magnified for Black families, as the fatal drowning rate for African American children is three times higher than for white children. The disparities in water safety are a result of systemic issues, historical racism, and inherited fear.
Historically, Black Americans were kept out of public pools through violence and segregation during the 1920s through the 1940s. When the Civil Rights Movement pressured for integration, some municipalities chose to close pools rather than open them to everyone, making swimming lessons and access a privilege for those who could afford private pools.
These historical barriers have created a lasting impact. A USA Swimming study found that if a parent does not know how to swim, there is only a 13% chance their child will learn how. This inherited fear and lack of role models in the water have been passed down through generations. Finding available classes remains difficult, as many facilities shut down during the pandemic, and the remaining lessons are often expensive and in high demand. Despite the challenges, organizations like Swim 4 Life, Black People Will Swim, and Outdoor Afro are working to provide solutions for underserved communities.
See: “Why Black Families Face Barriers to Swimming” (July 28, 2025)
