From Fear to Freedom: My Journey as a Late-Blooming Black Swimmer

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The moment I decided to learn swimming came unexpectedly. While caring for my young toddler, I stumbled upon a social media video that caught my attention. It featured a 2-year-old confidently jumping into a pool, with an instructor nearby. The child's natural ability to stay afloat amazed me, sparking a desire to acquire this skill myself.

At 38, I had never learned to swim. Over the years, I'd made various excuses, but truthfully, it had never been a priority. Growing up in a large Midwestern city, outdoor activities like swimming were limited to warmer months and weren't a common pastime in my social circle. Even our high school's mandatory swim course was canceled due to facility issues during my freshman year.

My background is relevant to this story. I belong to a demographic group that statistically has lower swimming proficiency rates. A study by a national swimming organization and a prominent university revealed significant disparities in swimming abilities across different ethnic groups in the United States.

This realization made me reflect on the importance of breaking stereotypes and embracing new experiences, regardless of age or background. It was time to challenge myself and acquire a potentially life-saving skill.

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Growing up, I noticed a pattern among my social circles. While some of my friends from similar backgrounds could swim, many couldn't. This contrasted sharply with my friends from different ethnic backgrounds, who all seemed comfortable in the water. This observation led me to explore the reasons behind such disparities.

My research revealed a complex history involving access to aquatic facilities. Historically, certain communities faced geographical and economic barriers to swimming pools. This limited exposure resulted in fewer opportunities for some groups to develop swimming skills over generations.

The history of public swimming spaces in America is complex and often troubling. During certain periods, access to these facilities was unequal, leading to long-lasting effects on swimming proficiency across different communities. Even when access improved, some pools in underserved areas were poorly maintained, making them less inviting for recreational use.

This historical context created a cycle where many parents and grandparents never learned to swim, making it less likely for them to teach their children. This generational gap in swimming skills persisted in some communities more than others.

I've heard various theories about why some groups have lower swimming rates, including concerns about hair care. However, I find this explanation overly simplistic and unconvincing.

For me, becoming a parent was the primary motivation to learn swimming. I wanted to set a positive example for my daughter and, more importantly, ensure I could protect her in water-related emergencies. The desire to keep my child safe outweighed any cultural or personal hesitations I might have had about learning to swim.

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As summer approached, my social media feeds became inundated with water safety messages. Videos and ads highlighting the dangers of drowning for young children filled my screen, intensifying my anxiety. This concern wasn't unfounded – according to a reputable drowning prevention organization, water accidents are a leading cause of death for toddlers.

Determined to conquer my fears and protect my child, I set out to find adult swimming lessons. To my surprise, most programs in my area catered primarily to children. After some searching, I discovered group classes at a local community center.

My first lesson began chaotically. Rushing in late due to parking troubles, I barely had time to catch my breath before joining the class. The instructor welcomed me, explaining they were practicing gliding. Observing my classmates – a diverse group of women – I quickly picked up the technique of lying flat and stretching out in the water. It was both intimidating and liberating.

As I progressed from gliding and floating to freestyle swimming, I encountered unexpected challenges. The instructors often mentioned that adults typically find learning to swim more difficult than children do. Adults tend to overthink and harbor fears that children haven't yet developed. Kids, like my own toddler, often act first and think later – a trait that can be advantageous in the pool.

I struggled with various aspects of swimming: keeping my hips up, breathing properly, and coordinating my kicks. The complex synchronization of movements felt unnatural, akin to learning to walk for the first time. Despite my frustration, I remained committed to mastering this vital skill.

This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and the value of stepping out of one's comfort zone, regardless of age or background. It also highlighted the critical need for accessible swimming education for people of all ages and communities.

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A decade earlier, I had attempted swimming lessons multiple times without success. Back then, as a carefree young adult, my motivation was purely social – I wanted to enjoy poolside gatherings with friends. This casual approach wasn't enough to keep me committed to mastering the skill.

This time, everything was different. My daughter became my primary inspiration, driving me to challenge societal expectations and overcome personal barriers. I was determined to prove to myself that with unwavering dedication, I could conquer this physically demanding and unfamiliar activity.

I committed fully to the process, attending weekly classes and practicing solo, despite moments of discouragement. While there were occasional tears, I also experienced moments of pure joy. My instructor consistently reminded me to "relax and have fun" – a concept I hadn't initially considered. Once I embraced this advice, allowing myself to calm down and enjoy the experience, I felt a newfound harmony with the water.

Although safety was my initial motivation, I discovered the added benefits of swimming as an enjoyable and effective form of exercise. As my skills improved, I transitioned from group classes to private lessons. The personalized attention helped me refine my technique and master the freestyle stroke.

After eight months of dedicated effort, I proudly achieved my goal. I could finally call myself a swimmer, having overcome personal doubts and societal expectations. This journey taught me valuable lessons about persistence, self-belief, and the importance of challenging oneself at any age.

My experience serves as a reminder that it's never too late to learn a new skill, especially one as crucial as swimming. It also highlights the potential for personal growth when we push beyond our comfort zones and commit to our goals, regardless of our background or preconceived notions.

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My journey has come full circle. Now, at two years old, my daughter shows a natural affinity for water and can grasp basic safety concepts. While I plan to have her trained by professional instructors, I'll be there every step of the way, watching her progress with pride.

Learning to swim hasn't completely eliminated my parental anxieties – does anything ever truly banish a parent's worries? However, it has significantly boosted my confidence in water safety for both of us. While I may not be ready for cliff diving or ocean swimming, I now have the skills to act swiftly if my child ever needs help in the water.

Above all, I'm immensely proud of my achievement. I continue to take lessons and practice independently, always striving to increase my comfort level in the water. This experience has allowed me to challenge and overcome long-held assumptions about swimming abilities within my community.

My story serves as a testament that it's never too late to learn a vital skill like swimming. It demonstrates how personal growth can challenge and change societal narratives. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their goals, regardless of age, background, or preconceived notions.

This piece was written by Shanetta McDonald, a Los Angeles-based writer who focuses on wellness, culture, and women's health issues from diverse perspectives. Her work has appeared in several prominent publications. When not writing, she dedicates her time to motherhood and living life to the fullest. You can find more of her work through her online portfolio.

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My journey from a non-swimmer to a confident swimmer has been transformative, both personally and as a parent. It serves as a testament to the power of determination, the importance of challenging stereotypes, and the profound impact of pursuing new skills at any age.

This experience has not only equipped me with a crucial life-saving ability but has also reshaped my perspective on personal growth and overcoming fears. It's a reminder that our limitations are often self-imposed, and with the right motivation and persistence, we can shatter these barriers.

As I watch my daughter's growing enthusiasm for the water, I'm filled with a sense of accomplishment and hope. I've broken a cycle and provided her with opportunities I never had growing up. More importantly, I've shown her through example that it's never too late to learn, grow, and challenge societal expectations.

My story is more than just about learning to swim. It's about breaking stereotypes, confronting fears, and embracing new challenges. It's a call to action for others who might be hesitating to step out of their comfort zones. Whether it's swimming or any other skill, the message is clear: You are capable of more than you think, and it's never too late to start.

As I continue to improve my swimming skills, I carry with me a newfound confidence that extends beyond the pool. This journey has reinforced the belief that with dedication and the right support, we can overcome any obstacle and emerge stronger, more capable, and more empowered.