New Film Documentary Highlights Black Youth Culture as the Saviour to Swimming Within the Black Community
London, UK, November 16th, 2020 – Ed Accura, the producer behind the feature film documentary “A Film Called Blacks Can’t Swim”, announces the follow up, Blacks Can’t Swim The Sequel, set for global release in May 2021.
The second feature film documentary combines acting with real interview footage of 14 - 25 year olds from the Black community voicing their thoughts on why their generation does not swim.
The story follows two Black youths (Layla and K-Frost) from a gritty south London council estate, who are part of a music and sports-based community program designed to help give young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds a better chance in life. But, to complete this program which opens doors to a world of opportunities they must learn to swim.
Frank (Ed Accura), who will be acting as a mentor, based on his real-life issues with swimming faces the huge challenge of getting these two young adults to attempt to get into the water. With only two weeks, will he succeed? And will he ever get to the bottom of why Layla and K-Frost refuse to swim in the first place?
Ed strongly believes that Black youth culture could be the turning point and answer to this generation’s long-term issue with the disproportionate number of Black people who do not swim.
“Aquaphobia still persists in many Black parents who didn’t get the opportunity to learn the skill and who still believe it’s safer to stay away from the water than to learn how to swim.”
“There comes a point where this generational cycle has to be broken and that time is now.”
According to official figures released by Sport England, 95% of black adults and 80% of black children in England do not swim. Ed is also co-founder of the Black Swimming Association (BSA), which was set up in March this year to champion inclusivity, representation and diversity in aquatics; highlighting the value of swimming as an essential life-saving skill and showcasing aquatic opportunities and pathways which will otherwise be invisible to Black communities.
Danielle Obe, Interim CEO for the Black Swimming Association, said: “Blacks Can’t Swim The Sequel” is an accurate representation of the barriers the Black community face when it comes to swimming, whether that stems from an inherited cultural belief, or simply not having the access, knowledge or confidence they need to get in the pool. It’s time we broke down those barriers, and the BSA is proud to be the first organisation of its kind to tackle this issue head on.
“With support from the aquatic governing bodies, we can diversify the sport that saves lives and make positive change. This includes more representation for Black people at all levels in the sport, from the board room to the swimming pool, and making water safety, life-saving and drowning prevention skills accessible for Black communities everywhere.”
Blacks Can’t Swim The Sequel, is scheduled for a global release in May 2021.
I really enjoyed this film. In the 80’s I had a good friend - born in Jamaica - and she could not swim - and she told me the reason why was because black people had dense bones! I grew up believing that ... and when I met my husband I told him that ... he told me that was ridiculous ... he wrote his thesis on Race, Psychopathy and Man ....taught me massively to never believe the labels put on people until you have the true hard facts - I hope you are enjoying the freedom and exhilaration swimming brings and I bet your daughter is so proud of you for taking the plunge!!
Great film!
I really enjoyed this film. In the 80’s I had a good friend - born in Jamaica - and she could not swim - and she told me the reason why was because black people had dense bones! I grew up believing that ... and when I met my husband I told him that ... he told me that was ridiculous ... he wrote his thesis on Race, Psychopathy and Man ....taught me massively to never believe the labels put on people until you have the true hard facts - I hope you are enjoying the freedom and exhilaration swimming brings and I bet your daughter is so proud of you for taking the plunge!!
Great film!
Hi Frank/Ed! Thank you so much for the opportunity to watch this film! I am a former college swimmer and Ironman triathlete who now owns a company specializing in teaching kids and adults to swim and coaching triathletes (www.readysetsweat.net).
Part of my mission in life is teaching adults to swim who have fear of the water. I teach using a method that was mentioned by one of your other commenters (Michelle) called Miracle Swimming (www.miracleswimming.org). It was developed by Melon Dash, a forerunner in adult learn-to-swim teaching. Miracle Swimming is a no-fear, no-pushing method which emphasizes learning to prevent panic and which encourages calm. It's a beautiful, relaxing, supportive, fun environment in which everyone wins!
One thing that was very interesting to me in this film was the similarity between the US/UK in terms of the issues mentioned and reasons given for not knowing how to swim as adults. It's amazing to me that halfway around the world, we all are still essentially the same in terms our our fears and cultural norms. My heart leapt at the exciting ending of the film, and I hope it does much to encourage others who have fear to learn to swim. Anyone can learn to swim at any age or any ability level. It looks like that with SwimmingNature, you have a terrific partner in reaching the adults in the UK.
Hi Frank/Ed! Thank you so much for the opportunity to watch this film! I am a former college swimmer and Ironman triathlete who now owns a company specializing in teaching kids and adults to swim and coaching triathletes (www.readysetsweat.net).
Part of my mission in life is teaching adults to swim who have fear of the water. I teach using a method that was mentioned by one of your other commenters (Michelle) called Miracle Swimming (www.miracleswimming.org). It was developed by Melon Dash, a forerunner in adult learn-to-swim teaching. Miracle Swimming is a no-fear, no-pushing method which emphasizes learning to prevent panic and which encourages calm. It's a beautiful, relaxing, supportive, fun environment in which everyone wins!
One thing that was very interesting to me in this film was the similarity between the US/UK in terms of the issues mentioned and reasons given for not knowing how to swim as adults. It's amazing to me that halfway around the world, we all are still essentially the same in terms our our fears and cultural norms. My heart leapt at the exciting ending of the film, and I hope it does much to encourage others who have fear to learn to swim. Anyone can learn to swim at any age or any ability level. It looks like that with SwimmingNature, you have a terrific partner in reaching the adults in the UK.
Loved it. Great drama and interview. Love the animations. Only problem is that it wasn’t long enough.
Loved it. Great drama and interview. Love the animations. Only problem is that it wasn’t long enough.
Very good!!! but many different thoughts swirling in my head about showing to our population.
Inner city school with majority population blacks.
It may be too much "talking" for our middle/ elem. students to keep their attention??
But excellent message and high school would benefit.
Maybe I'm too particular- would like to see more positive mental thoughts ingrained... but the reality of the negative thoughts should also be addressed. Contemplating: spend more time ingraining the positives you want the audience to take away- I'm sensing remembering more of the negative reasons than the positives.
Hopefully you will get more feedback from different CITY SCHOOL PHY ED TEACHERS as I see that is a big audience to reach.
I don't understand why it would be "R" rated??? Makes no sense to me unless it is because it addresses fear of drowning or the Mr. Society demon character that speaks to Frank's mind?? When I initially see R rating I automatically think "don't bother watching as I can't show an R rated show to my students".
Wonderful project you conceived!
I sincerely hope my comments aren't discouraging but thought it would be helpful to give my honest thoughts and impressions NOT JUST THE POSITIVE ONES.
My thoughts and prayers for you that you are making a difference and lives will be saved from drowning as a result. Parents would be an excellent group to show this to.
Very good!!! but many different thoughts swirling in my head about showing to our population.
Inner city school with majority population blacks.
It may be too much "talking" for our middle/ elem. students to keep their attention??
But excellent message and high school would benefit.
Maybe I'm too particular- would like to see more positive mental thoughts ingrained... but the reality of the negative thoughts should also be addressed. Contemplating: spend more time ingraining the positives you want the audience to take away- I'm sensing remembering more of the negative reasons than the positives.
Hopefully you will get more feedback from different CITY SCHOOL PHY ED TEACHERS as I see that is a big audience to reach.
I don't understand why it would be "R" rated??? Makes no sense to me unless it is because it addresses fear of drowning or the Mr. Society demon character that speaks to Frank's mind?? When I initially see R rating I automatically think "don't bother watching as I can't show an R rated show to my students".
Wonderful project you conceived!
I sincerely hope my comments aren't discouraging but thought it would be helpful to give my honest thoughts and impressions NOT JUST THE POSITIVE ONES.
My thoughts and prayers for you that you are making a difference and lives will be saved from drowning as a result. Parents would be an excellent group to show this to.
Frank, thank you for sharing your art with me. This is amazing. Every swimmer I know should see your film to gain insight into some of the reasons adult person of color are hesitant to learn to swim. I hope I can use what I have learned to encourage all people who would like to learn to swim.
Frank, thank you for sharing your art with me. This is amazing. Every swimmer I know should see your film to gain insight into some of the reasons adult person of color are hesitant to learn to swim. I hope I can use what I have learned to encourage all people who would like to learn to swim.
I LOVED your short film! I live in Louisville, Kentucky. I have been a swimmer all my life, have taught and coached swimming at various times in my life too. Currently, I volunteer with USA Swimming, the governing body for the sport of swimming here in the United States. I am also a US Masters Swimmer (for those interested in swimming and competing in swimming but aged 18 and up - basically until you die!) and in the States, USMS has put on a HUGE drive to teach swimming to adults - they call it Adult Learn To Swim. Trained USMS swimmers teach lessons to adults FREE - and I have been a part of that here in KY.
Your film conveys the stereotypes that we have often heard from our adult non-white students on why they never learned to swim as young persons. I would LOVE to share it with them - they would so enjoy it!
With USA Swimming, I am our state Diversity & Inclusion chair - tasked with expanding the world of swimming to our non-traditional swimming populations. Your short film is just what I would love to have to share with parents, officials (those of us who judge the sport of swimming at competitions), teachers, coaches, or anyone who sees the value in learning to swim. It SAVES lives!
I LOVED your short film! I live in Louisville, Kentucky. I have been a swimmer all my life, have taught and coached swimming at various times in my life too. Currently, I volunteer with USA Swimming, the governing body for the sport of swimming here in the United States. I am also a US Masters Swimmer (for those interested in swimming and competing in swimming but aged 18 and up - basically until you die!) and in the States, USMS has put on a HUGE drive to teach swimming to adults - they call it Adult Learn To Swim. Trained USMS swimmers teach lessons to adults FREE - and I have been a part of that here in KY.
Your film conveys the stereotypes that we have often heard from our adult non-white students on why they never learned to swim as young persons. I would LOVE to share it with them - they would so enjoy it!
With USA Swimming, I am our state Diversity & Inclusion chair - tasked with expanding the world of swimming to our non-traditional swimming populations. Your short film is just what I would love to have to share with parents, officials (those of us who judge the sport of swimming at competitions), teachers, coaches, or anyone who sees the value in learning to swim. It SAVES lives!
Greetings from North Carolina, of the United States! It was a pleasure seeing your film. Congratulations!!!
As a fellow adult beginner swimmer, first generation North American child born to immigrant non-swimmer parents of the Caribbean, this film totally resonated with me. My favorite segment was the responses to "Why Do Some Blacks Never Swim." The extremely thoughtful and spot on comments including "its a class thing," "shame", "priorities" and "lack of infrastructure" were all so compelling (pools were segregated in the United States, for instance). Every single interviewee was eloquent and brilliant. Well done! However, the gravity of the flooding situation to where our film's hero lives is lost to me. I have never been to Great Britain, but the irony of it being an island, and surrounded by water is a huge (but understated) point. Perhaps because I am part of an international audience, but I would have liked more clarity as to where exactly he lives and how close the threat of the floods are to his dwelling. I am not sure how you could incorporate this, like using a map...Just a suggestion. I realize that that part of the story may not be as important to other viewers. I like how the film also brings up a very timely reference to climate change and makes it personal as we consider how changes to our environment impact our day-to-day survival. I am also absolutely in love with the diversity of ethnic faces and voices presented in the film. Thank you for sharing the names and the nationalities of the brilliant fellow-storytellers. A significant reason as to why some blacks don't swim, that did not come up, but is a HUGE reason for me, was a societal obsession/worship/hatred of non-white bodies. I am still getting over the trauma that I experienced as a youth learning to swim: the stares, and the constant comments about my frame kept me out of the water and away for my safety. (Although I was petite, slender, caramel colored, I have flat feet or no arches, and had a "different" nose from my more perfect and normal white pool and ocean enthusiasts. I also witnessed how children of color who were obese and dark-skinned were tortured verbally and physically.) Not sure if this is an appropriate medium to explore that specific issue, but just wanted to mention it as another facet of this complex global story. If you haven't already done so, you may wish to reach out to Ms. M. Ellen "Melon" Dash, in Florida, USA, who is revolutionizing how swimming is taught for adults, similar to the work of SwimmingNature: https://www.miracleswimming.org/. I am her student--LIFE-CHANGING! Keep up the good work!
Greetings from North Carolina, of the United States! It was a pleasure seeing your film. Congratulations!!!
As a fellow adult beginner swimmer, first generation North American child born to immigrant non-swimmer parents of the Caribbean, this film totally resonated with me. My favorite segment was the responses to "Why Do Some Blacks Never Swim." The extremely thoughtful and spot on comments including "its a class thing," "shame", "priorities" and "lack of infrastructure" were all so compelling (pools were segregated in the United States, for instance). Every single interviewee was eloquent and brilliant. Well done! However, the gravity of the flooding situation to where our film's hero lives is lost to me. I have never been to Great Britain, but the irony of it being an island, and surrounded by water is a huge (but understated) point. Perhaps because I am part of an international audience, but I would have liked more clarity as to where exactly he lives and how close the threat of the floods are to his dwelling. I am not sure how you could incorporate this, like using a map...Just a suggestion. I realize that that part of the story may not be as important to other viewers. I like how the film also brings up a very timely reference to climate change and makes it personal as we consider how changes to our environment impact our day-to-day survival. I am also absolutely in love with the diversity of ethnic faces and voices presented in the film. Thank you for sharing the names and the nationalities of the brilliant fellow-storytellers. A significant reason as to why some blacks don't swim, that did not come up, but is a HUGE reason for me, was a societal obsession/worship/hatred of non-white bodies. I am still getting over the trauma that I experienced as a youth learning to swim: the stares, and the constant comments about my frame kept me out of the water and away for my safety. (Although I was petite, slender, caramel colored, I have flat feet or no arches, and had a "different" nose from my more perfect and normal white pool and ocean enthusiasts. I also witnessed how children of color who were obese and dark-skinned were tortured verbally and physically.) Not sure if this is an appropriate medium to explore that specific issue, but just wanted to mention it as another facet of this complex global story. If you haven't already done so, you may wish to reach out to Ms. M. Ellen "Melon" Dash, in Florida, USA, who is revolutionizing how swimming is taught for adults, similar to the work of SwimmingNature: https://www.miracleswimming.org/. I am her student--LIFE-CHANGING! Keep up the good work!
See my review. Congratulations on taking the plunge into this important issue
https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/the-importance-of-a-film-called-blacks-cant-swim/
Congratulations on the film. A great idea and lovely way to encourage young people to swim, especially in the wake of all of those drownings - I didn't know until now.
Congratulations on the film. A great idea and lovely way to encourage young people to swim, especially in the wake of all of those drownings - I didn't know until now.
Brilliant, and made me quite emotional because of how it resonated personally. Loved the contrast of the interviews with the storyline, and the rousing finish! Back to the pool I go...
Brilliant, and made me quite emotional because of how it resonated personally. Loved the contrast of the interviews with the storyline, and the rousing finish! Back to the pool I go...
