[ChocChipCookie]

From the article:
Theories for low black American swimming rates

Propagation of incorrect scientific theories such as black people being much less buoyant
Historic factors going as far back as slaves not being allowed to learn to swim
Denial of access to pools in 1920s and 30s causing ripple effect to present day
Lack of municipal pools in predominantly black neighbourhoods in 1960s onwards
Perception of swimming as elitist or white sport

Wow. Just, wow. None of these would have ever occurred to me.

[MediaMole]

My mom grew up in a community that banned blacks from the municipal swimming pool because people were afraid the black would wash off and dye their kids. They were serious — and stupid.