WHY LEARNING TO SWIM IS A NECESSITY, NOT A LUXURY

In the heat of a New York City summer, I remember a time in my youth in the 80s when the neighborhood pool on 99th Street in East Elmhurst Queens became a sanctuary for the children in our community. We would race to the gates, and leap into the water with joy. That pool became our first classroom in learning how to swim.

Fast forward to my time in the Navy. I served alongside some of the strongest and most athletic Black men you could ever meet—men who were disciplined, courageous, and physically powerful.

But when it came time for our swim qualification, many of them panicked. The water revealed a gap that far too many of us carried from childhood into adulthood.

This isn’t to say that all Black men and women can’t swim—far from it. We’ve witnessed incredible athletes like Simone Manuel make history in the Olympics. But if we’re being honest, swimming hasn’t always been a consistent part of our upbringing. And in many communities, it’s still viewed as optional rather than essential.

Why Swimming Matters Now More Than Ever

With over 70% of the planet covered in water, and with recent floods devastating major cities, we must ask ourselves critical questions:

• If you were caught in rising floodwaters, could you survive?

• If your child or loved one was drowning, would you be able to save them?

• Are you physically conditioned enough to stay afloat in open water?

• Can those who chaperone our children at the beach or pool swim themselves?

• If you enjoy fishing or boating—do you really have the skills to survive a water emergency?

These are not questions to think about after tragedy strikes. These are conversations we must have now.

Swimming Is Survival—and So Much More

Swimming is not just a life-saving skill—it’s also one of the best full-body exercises available:

• It works all major muscle groups

• It improves cardiovascular health

• It builds endurance and stamina

• It places low stress on the joints, making it ideal for all ages

• It trains breath control and lung capacity

• It offers mental clarity, peace, and discipline

This isn’t just about recreation. This is about preparation.

What We Must Do

We must no longer take this lightly. Whether you’re planning a family vacation near water, heading to a local beach, or simply want to be a better guardian for your children—learning how to swim is non-negotiable.

Today, there are affordable or even free swim programs across the country, including classes for first-time swimmers, children, seniors, and adults who’ve never felt comfortable in water.

We urge every reader, especially in the Black community, to:

1. Seek out local swim lessons at recreation centers, YMCAs, or community programs.

2. Talk to your children about water safety before vacations or outings.

3. Ensure all chaperones or guardians know how to swim.

4. Practice regular swimming as a form of health and self-defense.

5. Challenge the stigma and fear of water that may have been passed down.

Don’t Wait for Tragedy

There’s an old saying: “Better to be prepared and not need it, than to need it and not be prepared.” Let’s not wait until we’re in a life-or-death situation to wish we had taken action.

Let’s equip ourselves, our families, and our communities with the skills to survive and thrive in the water.

Learn to swim. Teach others. Stay ready.