What’s the one water sport in America where children as young as 6 months take part. Many people show up but opt to put their feet in if they don’t know any techniques, but I am magnificent for the body? Its sure to be swimming!
The American Red Cross says only 60% of US residents have mastered the 5 swim skills that equal water competency:
- Step or jump into the water over your head.
- Return to the surface and float or tread water for 1 minute.
- Swim in a full circle and find an exit.
- Swim 25 yards to the exit then…
- Exit from the water without using the ladder.
The percentage is lower for black and brown people who are 2–3 times more likely to drown than their Anglo peers. [CDC] Once the challenges of inherited fear of the water family tendencies, cultural stereotypes, access to certified swim instruction and facilities have been addressed.
No matter the season, swimming is always a great water sport. Whether indoor or outdoor swimming your body has a chance to glide gracefully across the chlorine waters with minor or major concern for your hair –especially if you’re an African American girl or woman. Or perhaps you position yourself alongside the edge of the pool almost near the suction cups making a light water splash. Suppose maybe sitting on the stairs in the pool looking at your legs glisten in the waters.
Not sure how the stereotype and stigma surrounding America’s #1 myth that “African American don’t swim” derived. But here’s a myth buster! African American’s love to swim! In fact, we have a one-on-one with African American writer and inventor Cardyn Brooks, whose goal is to expand access to swim skills for all mission.
Ms. Brooks’ Swim Mission Swim cap is designed to accommodate all hair types especially very thick curly, voluminous, high-maintenance hair- braids, and locks too. She says “because I love being in the water. My hair does not.” However, she developed a tool to fix the hair obstacle.
“Knowing how to swim is an essential life skill just like knowing how to read.” Currently, Cardyn’s patent pending Swim Mission Swim Cap is a functional prototype in the development stage and she is looking for feedback and investors to help achieve the mission to expand access to swim skills for all.
GAIL MOVEMENT 