CLEVELAND — In 2014, Simone Powell decided she wanted to make a change.
She noticed a racial disparity when it comes to African Americans learning to swim.
“From the 1960s with Jim Crow, it’s also just the ignorance of getting our hair wet and if we get our hair wet is hard to maintain,” she said. “That’s not true.”
The consequences of that disparity can be deadly as research from Princeton University shows. Princeton researchers found that African American youth ages 5-14 were three times more likely to die from accidental drowning than white children in the same age group.
Powell decided to start Swim Baby Swim Cleveland, a company offering infant and child swimming lessons at home, privately or in group sessions.
“I really learned that I had a knack for crying babies,” she said. “It didn’t bother me teaching them how to swim. I just thought it was the best thing ever.”
Mother of five Brittany Gilmore said it’s been beneficial having her children take classes with Powell through the years.
“Safety is No. 1, as it should be and is definitely needed, especially in the Black community,” she said. “So, I just appreciate the opportunity to know someone like Simone who has the right personality and great with the kids.”
This is why she said it was imperative her 1-year-old daughter, Gia, attend some classes while they are in town.
“It’s definitely beneficial and it’s definitely needed,” she said. “I mean, it’s a life feel that’s pretty much a life skill if you ask me. So, it’s definitely beneficial, especially with a big family of mine.”
Powell said it means the world to her, to know she is helping infants strengthening an important life skill.
“I am so fortunate to have this gift, this power to do this, and I’m going to be doing this for the rest of my life,” she said.
