00:00Scientists in the UK say new research undermines a popular belief that people of African, Caribbean
00:09and Asian heritage have heavier bones, making it harder for them to float in water.
00:16The research was led by the Black Swimming Association and carried out at the University
00:20of Portsmouth.
00:21Established five years ago, the association aimed to dispel this widely believed myth.
00:26Saren Jones from the BSA says it's unclear where the myth first originated.
00:32Now we thought if we could put this myth, which over time felt more like a belief to science
00:39and prove that this is not the case, we could actually remove an obstacle that exists between
00:44black and brown communities who feel disengaged with swimming and aquatics, and not just the
00:48aquatic sector, but we could also change their relationship with the water.
00:53Dr Heather Massey from the University of Portsmouth says on average people of black heritage
00:58do have a higher bone mineral density.
01:00So this may be where the myth is, or perpetuates that myth, but we've proven with this research
01:07that even individuals with higher bone mineral density are able to float successfully in water.
01:13Statistics show black children in England are three times more likely to drown than white children.
01:19We know that 96% of adults in England do not swim regularly.
01:23We know that water safety isn't prioritized in schools, in local swimming clubs, and in
01:27after school programs either.
01:29So when we're looking at the broader picture of things, black and Asian communities face
01:34a higher risk of drowning.
01:36The study found with proper instructions, 90% of participants could float successfully for
01:41two minutes.
01:43The composition analysis assessed factors that affect buoyancy and tested different floating
01:48techniques.
01:49The results indicated body fat percentage rather than bone density is a factor in buoyancy,
01:55though not the sole determinant of one's ability to float.
01:59Jones says the way Britain teaches floating needs to change from a one method for all approach.
02:05Floating is unique and bespoke to everybody, depending on their unique body composition.
02:10But as long as your face is up, and you are breathing, and you are safe, and you are able
02:15to keep your airways open and receive oxygen, you are floating.
02:20The BSA hopes the research will help improve attitudes to swimming in black and Asian communities,
02:26and encourage more people to learn how to float.
02:28the BSA hopes youside thinking.
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