Lack of access, stereotypes, and costs have long prevented minorities from taking swim lessons, according to the latest CDC data. The study, revealed that approximately 40 million Americans do not know how to swim, with minorities, specifically Latinos and Black populations, being most at risk for drowning. All in all 72% of Latino adults and 63% of Black adults have never taken a swim lesson, compared to 48% of white adults.
The report, titled Vital Signs looked at drowning deaths, self-reported swimming skills, participation in swimming lessons, and exposure to recreational water, concluding that increased access to basic swimming and water safety skills training can save lives.
