Swimming Lessons for Children and Adults

Deborah Bayliss | As of Thursday, July 24, 2014

A 2010 study commissioned by the USA Swimming Foundation and conducted by the University of Memphis found that nearly 70 percent of African American children and nearly 60 percent of Hispanic children have low or no swim ability, compared to 40 percent of white Americans, putting them at risk for drowning.
A 2010 study commissioned by the USA Swimming Foundation and conducted by the University of Memphis found that nearly 70 percent of African American children and nearly 60 percent of Hispanic children have low or no swim ability, compared to 40 percent of white Americans, putting them at risk for drowning.

African Americans are oftentimes stereotyped as bad swimmers, or even worse, non-swimmers. The sometimes joked about depiction is related to African Americans' fear of swimming or to the fact that some African American women prefer not to get their hair wet. But it is not a joke that a 2010 study commissioned by the USA Swimming Foundation and conducted by the University of Memphis, found that nearly 70 percent of African American children and nearly 60 percent of Hispanic children have low or no swim ability, compared to 40 percent of white Americans, putting them at risk for drowning.

It is because of these statistics that several South Side aldermen are holding Lakefront Safety Class on Thursday, July 24, 2014 from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 57th St. beach.

Aldermen Leslie Hairston (5), Natasha Holmes (7) and John Pope (10) are joining Chicago Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago in presenting the class on water safety, boat safety and rescue techniques.

“Summer temperatures got a late start this year, so this is the ideal time to hold a water safety class for our young people,” says 5th Ward Ald. Hairston.

African Americans over the age of four are significantly more likely to drown than white Americans. Seventy percent of black children, ages 5 to 14, who can’t swim are three times more likely than white children to drown. That doubles to six times as likely when teens are added to the picture, according to documented research.

Swimming pools present even more of a problem for black youth. Those who are between the ages of 5 to 19 are more than five times as likely as whites to drown. For black 11 and 12 year-olds, that figure doubles.

For additional information about the Lakefront Safety Class please call Ald. Hairston's office at 773-324-5555.

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