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Minority Kids Sink at Swimming

Push on to get children in the swim

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted May 2, 2008 2:11 AM CDT

(Newser) – More than half of black and Latino children never learn to swim, according to the governing body of US competitive swimming, which is trying to encourage more minority involvement in the sport. Nearly 60% of black and Latino children can't swim—compared to a third of white kids—and they're 2.6 times more likely than white kids to drown. They're also six times more likely than white children to have a parent who can't swim, according to the survey by USA Swimming.

World-class swimmer Cullen Jones teaches water safety to Jaquil Wise, 7, at the pool in Newark, N.J., where Jones learned to swim.
World-class swimmer Cullen Jones teaches water safety to Jaquil Wise, 7, at the pool in Newark, N.J., where Jones learned to swim.   (AP Photo/Mike Derer)
USA Swimmer Cullen Jones gives swim lessons to Tavion Traynham and other 8-year-olds.
USA Swimmer Cullen Jones gives swim lessons to Tavion Traynham and other 8-year-olds.   (AP Photo)
USA Swimmer Cullen Jones  helps Tavion Traynham with the kick board while giving swim lessons to 8-year-olds.
USA Swimmer Cullen Jones helps Tavion Traynham with the kick board while giving swim lessons to 8-year-olds.   (AP Photo)
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