As the temperatures rise and summer is at its peak, you might be feeling called toward the nearest body of water — and if you’re a new to swimming and water activities, you might also be feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. 

Maybe you’ve completed some beginner swim lessons through our Making Waves scholarship program, or you’re finally ready to take that plunge you’ve been thinking about for months. Either way, you’re here, and that’s what matters.

Let’s be real for a moment. Swimming hasn’t always felt like a space for us—historical exclusion from pools and beaches, combined with the current CDC statistics showing that Black children drown at 7-8 times the rate of their white peers, means that getting comfortable in the water can feel like more than just learning a new skill. It can feel like reclaiming something that should have always been ours.

But here’s the beautiful thing about our Outdoor Afro community: we’re changing that narrative, one swimmer at a time. Whether you’re planning to stick to your local pool this summer or you’re dreaming of open water adventures in lakes, rivers, or the ocean, these five pieces of advice will help you build confidence, stay safe, and genuinely enjoy your time in the water.

1. Start Where You Feel Secure, Then Gradually Expand Your Comfort Zone

Your swimming journey doesn’t have to begin with dramatic ocean waves or mysterious lake depths. In fact, it shouldn’t. The pool where you took your beginner lessons is still your friend, and there’s no shame in spending more time there before venturing into natural bodies of water.

Here’s what I recommend: master your basic strokes and floating in the controlled environment of a pool first. Get comfortable with putting your face underwater, treading water for extended periods, and swimming continuously for at least 10-15 minutes. Once these skills feel automatic rather than effortful, you’ll have the foundation you need for outdoor swimming adventures.

Quick tips:

• Practice in different pool depths to build comfort with varying water levels
• Try swimming in pools with different layouts (lap pools vs. recreational pools)
• Gradually increase your swimming duration and distance
• Ask a friend to join you – swimming with community makes everything better

The transition from pool to outdoor water is significant because natural bodies of water present variables that pools don’t: currents, waves, unclear visibility, and different temperatures. But when your fundamental skills are solid, you can focus on adapting to these new conditions rather than worrying about basic safety.

2. Respect the Water, Especially in Natural Settings

This is where we talk safety, and it’s crucial. While pools have lifeguards, clear sight lines, and controlled conditions, outdoor swimming requires a completely different level of awareness and preparation. The statistics about drowning in our community aren’t just numbers – they represent real families, real losses, and real reasons why we need to approach water with both joy and respect.

Before you even think about swimming in a lake, river, or ocean, research the specific location. Check for current conditions, water temperature, potential hazards like rocks or strong currents, and whether lifeguards are present. Many outdoor swimming areas have seasonal warnings or restrictions that could affect your safety.

Essential safety practices:

• Never swim alone in natural bodies of water
• Always inform someone of your swimming plans and expected return time
• Check weather conditions and water temperature before heading out
• Wear bright-colored swim caps or clothing for visibility
• Consider investing in a swim buoy for open water visibility
• Learn to identify rip currents if you’re planning ocean swimming

Here’s something many new swimmers don’t realize: water temperature significantly affects your body’s performance. Cold water can cause muscle cramps and rapid exhaustion, even for strong swimmers. Start with shorter distances in outdoor water and gradually build up your tolerance and endurance.

3. Embrace Your Hair and Skin Care Routine as Part of the Experience

Let’s address the elephant in the room – many of us have been told that swimming and our hair don’t mix. That chlorine and saltwater are enemies of our curls, coils, and protective styles. While there’s truth to the fact that these elements can be drying, they don’t have to be deal-breakers for enjoying swimming.

Pre-swim preparation is key. Wet your hair with fresh water before entering chlorinated pools or saltwater – this prevents your hair from absorbing as much of the harsher chemicals. Apply a leave-in conditioner or natural oil as a protective barrier. Consider protective styles like braids or a silk-lined swim cap if you’re planning extended time in the water.

Hair and skin care essentials:

• Rinse immediately after swimming to remove chlorine or salt
• Deep condition weekly if you’re swimming regularly
• Invest in a good swim cap – silk-lined options protect better than standard latex
• Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to avoid over-drying
• Apply moisturizer to your skin after swimming to combat chlorine’s drying effects

Remember, taking care of your hair and skin isn’t vanity – it’s self-care that allows you to enjoy swimming without sacrificing other aspects of your routine that make you feel good. The goal is to make swimming a sustainable part of your lifestyle, not something that creates additional stress.

4. Build Your Swimming Community and Find Your Tribe

Swimming can feel isolating, especially when you’re learning or when you don’t see many people who look like you at your local pool or beach. This is where the power of Outdoor Afro really shines – we’re creating spaces where Black swimmers can learn, grow, and enjoy water activities together.

Connect with your local Outdoor Afro chapter to find swimming meetups, group lessons, or buddies who share your interest in water activities. Having a community makes everything from learning new techniques to exploring new swimming locations more enjoyable and safer.

Community-building strategies:

• Join Outdoor Afro events and swimming-focused meetups
• Follow our social media for tips, inspiration, and community highlights
• Share your swimming journey – your progress might inspire someone else to start
• Consider volunteering with swimming programs in your community
• Find an accountability partner who shares your swimming goals

There’s something powerful about seeing other Black swimmers confidently enjoying the water. It normalizes the experience and helps break down the mental barriers that historical exclusion created. Plus, swimming with others is simply more fun and provides built-in safety support.

5. Set Realistic Goals and Celebrate Every Victory

Your swimming journey is uniquely yours, and it doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Maybe your goal is to swim a full lap without stopping. Maybe it’s to feel comfortable enough to join friends at the lake this summer. Maybe it’s to eventually try snorkeling or stand-up paddleboarding. All of these goals are valid and worth celebrating.

Set small, achievable milestones that build toward your larger objectives. Can you tread water for two minutes? Celebrate that. Did you swim in open water for the first time? That’s huge. Are you finally comfortable putting your face underwater? Victory.

Goal-setting tips:

• Write down both short-term and long-term swimming objectives
• Track your progress in a journal or app
• Take photos or videos to document your journey
• Share your wins with your Outdoor Afro community
• Adjust goals as needed – flexibility is strength, not weakness
• Focus on how swimming makes you feel, not just technical achievements

Remember that every expert swimmer was once where you are now. The difference between someone who becomes a confident swimmer and someone who gives up isn’t natural talent – it’s persistence, patience with the learning process, and willingness to keep showing up.

Your Swimming Journey Starts Now

Swimming is more than just a recreational activity or fitness routine – it’s a form of freedom, a way to connect with nature, and a skill that can literally save your life or someone else’s. When we increase swimming proficiency in our community, we’re not just learning a new hobby; we’re working to change those devastating drowning statistics and reclaiming our rightful place in all water spaces.

If cost has been a barrier to getting started, remember that our Making Waves scholarship program covers up to $200 for individual beginner swim lessons or $400 for families through our free Outdoor Afro app. This summer doesn’t have to be another year of watching from the sidelines.

Whether you’re taking your first swim lesson or preparing to graduate from pool swimming to lake adventures, you’re part of a community that believes in your success. Follow us on social media for ongoing tips, tricks, and inspiration from fellow swimmers who started exactly where you are now.

The water is waiting, and so is your swimming community. Ready to make some waves?

Ready to dive in? Apply for a swim scholarship through the Outdoor Afro app and join thousands of Black outdoor enthusiasts who are making waves in swimming and beyond. Follow our social media channels for daily inspiration, safety tips, and community highlights that will keep you motivated on your swimming journey.