Six teens drown in Louisiana!

Today I read some tragic news on CNN. Six teens drowned in Louisiana after they went into unfamiliar waters. http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=12913620&hpt=T2 This isn't what I originally planned on blogging about today but this story has made me think about how African-Americans are more likely to drown than other racial groups. It is estimated that up to 60% of black children can't swim. These statistics are not only depressing but it sheds a light on issues in the community.  There are many reasons that black children are not learning how to swim which include access to pools, ability to pay for private swim lessons, parents not learning how to swim, and of course hair.  When I go to the pool in my neighborhood is shocking how many Indian and white children know how to swim and I have only seen three black children that actually know how to swim. Parents should start teaching their children how to swim at an early because these lessons may in fact one day save their lives. There are inexpensive and free places that teach children how to swim based on the households income. It is time that African-Americans start breaking these myths and encouraging our children to do other activities that may not be seen as "black".  We should encourage our children to learn how to swim and not focus on them messing up their hair!  Maybe if these teens knew how to swim we would be reading a different story filled with happiness instead of sadness. May these six teens rest in eternal peace and may their families be comforted remembering the lives they lived.