According to the sport’s governing body, Swim England, only 2% of regular swimmers are Black. It found that 95% of Black adults and 80% of Black children in England do not swim. While 93% of Asian adults and 78% of Asian children do not swim, Black children are three times more likely to drown than White children. 

Hear for yourself the personal stories and reasons behind these astonishing statistics. 

The film documentary is available on the links below.

Hard-hitting Film Documentary Highlights Black Youth Culture as the Saviour to Swimming Within the Black Community 

 London, UK,  Ed Accura, the producer behind the feature film documentary “A Film Called Blacks Can’t Swim”, releases the follow-up, Blacks Can’t Swim The Sequel

 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.” 

6/12/2020 

Dear world, 

Black Youth Culture could be what breaks the cycle of the generation-long issue due to a disproportionate amount of Black people that do not swim. 

Bringing music to the water, creating jobs, and merging cultures that are worlds apart. 

A positive outlook when a Black youth walks by in a hoodie, no longer the threatening and menacing perception of today. 

Fill the void with swimming coaches, lifeguards, aquatic representatives that we don’t see in our communities and therefore creating role models for the generations to come. 

 Aquatic boardroom executives, giving us a seat at the table where decisions are being made. 

Competing at an elite level, reduce the high drowning rates and unemployment rates. 

Killing 2, 3 ,4 many birds with one stone. Wouldn’t it be great! 

Black Youth Culture could bring one of the biggest changes in our history for generations to come. 

Yours faithfully, 

Ed Accura