WSET.com - ABC13Turning the Tide: Part 2

In this special two-part report called Turning the Tide ABC 13 Reporter Lauren Compton examines the initiatives aimed at changing the alarming drowning rates in the African-American community.

Reporter: Lauren Compton l Videographer: Jemon Haskins

Lynchburg, VA - Swimming is great way to exercise, and cool off on a hot summer day, but it's also a skill that can mean the difference between life and death.

Studies show African American children are three times more likely to die from drowning. There's an intense push across the country and in Lynchburg to change that.

The issue hits home for ABC 13 reporter Lauren Compton. For years, she has had a fear of drowning and always shied away from water. But, with the help from the YMCA, she took a 30 day challenge to overcome it.

"I try to tell people if you can swim in four feet of water you can swim in 4,000 feet of water," said Jay Parker, Executive Director of Lynchburg YMCA.

First, Aquatics director Ash Coleman showed Compton the basics like putting her head below the water, and learning to breath.

She learned what dozens of kids learn in the Lynchburg Swim Initiative. It's one of many programs across the country aimed at changing the alarming drowning rates in the black community.

"We pick up the kids, we bring them to the Y, we give them lessons, we take them home, and there is no fee," said Parker.

Y Executive Director Jay Parker says even with the burden of paying lifted many parents don't sign their kids up. Some don't know about the program, others are held back by fear.

"I had an incident when I was 8-years-old, and I almost drowned so I was scared to swim at first," said Nikkidra Cox.

Nikkidra Cox didn't want her nine year old daughter N'Dyasia to have the same fear, so she signed her up for the Lynchburg Swim Initiative Program.

And, seeing her little girl conquer the water has made her confront her own fear of the deep end.

"She's actually given me the courage to swim in the deep end now and go under the water," said Cox.

"If we can teach kids how to be safe, and learn some skills this will translate into them being swimmers the rest of their lives," said Parker.

Skills that will hopefully prevent tragic deaths like the ones in Shreveport Louisiana last year.

Six black teens drowned in the Red River trying to save a friend. Their parents, unable to swim themselves, could only watch their children die. Now organizations like the Y are stepping in to teach kids to swim, and learn what to do if they were in this situation.

"We teach them about calling 911, about when and how to help someone you see someone fall in the water," said Coleman.

For four weeks Compton learned the basics of swimming, and gaining knowledge that could one day save her life. In a short time Coleman said she had made huge progress and had learned to let go of her fear.

"If you didn't panic, and I pushed you out of a boat you could probably get to the side that's great. I mean that's my goal, you can survive now," said Coleman.

With the fear behind me, Coleman had even bigger challenges in store.

"I have got a great idea! Let's jump into the deep end," said Coleman.

Even though Compton protested, Coleman pushed away. And to Compton's surprise, she said her first dive in the deep end wasn't that bad. 

But the true test would come on her final lesson: could I make it to the end of the pool? While it wasn't the prettiest free-style, she made it across. Compton had progressed by leaps and bounds, considering at first even Compton's instructor wasn't sure I could conquer my fear in a month.

"Did I know for sure you were going to be able to swim in a month? No." said Coleman.

But, swim she did one stroke at time leaving behind the fear that once held her back.

Lynchburg Y Swimming Program

-If you would like to sign up for swimming programs at the Y call 434-847-5597

Danville Y  offers scholarships for residents interested in getting swim lessons. The scholarships are based on need. 434- 792-0621.

Roanoke Swimming Programs

-Call 540-342-9622