A 2014 American Red Cross survey revealed that almost half of Americans cannot swim, only 56 percent of the self-described swimmers can perform all five of the basic skills that could save their life in the water. Additionally, about one in three (33 percent) African Americans reports that they can perform all five basic swimming skills, compared to 51 percent of whites. So, what does this mean? To me it means that about half of Americans and even more African Americans are high risk when it comes to water activities. Making them dependent on others to provide the support and security they need when navigating and appreciate water activities.
In the “waters” of life, especially the troubled waters we see statistics similar to the ones
reported by Red Cross. Too many people don’t have the skills needed to navigate life and thrive in our communities. With this knowledge, do we take the detached “sink or swim” approach? Do we throw out a lifeline? Or Do we extend “swim lessons”? As a Community Development Organization, our team employs a model that combines the lifeline with swim lessons. We offer services that meet immediate needs, but we also connect with families to offer resources that build capacity and power for a more self-sufficient existence. In other words, making the effort to teach someone to swim will reduce their risk of sinking or even drowning when it comes to navigating life.
*Survey findings based on an online survey of 1,024 adults conducted for the Red Cross on April 17-20, 2014. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/red-cross-launches-campaign-to-cut-drowning-in-half-in-50-cities.html