Now, I just read a New York Times article that talks about studies that showed that "many Africans were avid swimmers when they were brought over as slaves", however "most slaves born in the United States were not allowed to learn to swim because it was a means of escape. That created generations of nonswimmers and spawned the myth that African-Americans could not swim." Imagine that!
Segregation, in the following years, compounded the problem because it meant that blacks were kept out of many pools and beaches.
In Nigeria, this cannot be the reasons that there are relatively few swimmers. Knowing how to swim requires having someone to teach you and ready access to swimmable bodies of water. And when you can't swim, you can't teach your children how to either. When you have fears about swimming, you tend to pass these on to your children.
It's important to learn to swim, as it could potentially save your life one day.
7 comments:
What a coincidence! I was with my jogging partner to day and she asked about places where she could learn how to swim. I mentioned that, yes, learning how to swim, among other things, in on my life's to do list. Was personally never afraid of water getting into my hair. I think I somehow inherited my mother's fear of large bodies of water.
Are you based in Lagos? If so, I'd be happy to recommend a coach. Just send an email to oreblogging@gmail.com if you're interested.
No, I am not. Will extend your offer to friends and fam in Lagos who may be interested. Thanks!
Very true article. It bugs me to hear the sterotypes. I have loved swimming from a child. My parents would take me to the community pool and as I got older I sought pools out, like the YMCA. I am 37 and taught my 2 daughters and son how to swim and me and my daughters swim all through the summer. I don't make hair an issue and I focus on having fun. I didn't want my kids, especially daughters to be that stereotype. White people look at us funny sometimes like they actually thought black people sink but then I get in and act like a fish. I just chuckle inside. More importantly I did not want my kids to be afraid of water and possibly drown.
Hi Anon, I'm so glad that you shared your love and skill for swimming with your children. So many adult non-swimmers I know are that way because of fear encouraged by their parents - and particularly from their mothers.
And yes, it is hilarious when people expect you to paddle in the shallow end and you dive straight into the deep end. :)
Ikoyi Club has some of the best coaches in Lagos. For Women who are concerned about having a male coach, they have a fantastic female coach called "Madam Tough". By the way Tough is her real name.
@GL: Yes, I believe I saw a photo of her with her name at some point. I learned to swim at the Ikoyi Club and can attest to the superior teaching skills of their coaches.
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