Swimming Against The Tide

Watching her children at swimming lessons from the poolside week in, week out, Joyce Osei wondered why there were so few kids in the pool who looked like hers.

Sport England research estimates that 95 per cent of black adults in England don't swim, and 80 per cent of children. And now she's in her mid-40s, Joyce has decided it's about time she learned too, joining the other black Britons who are overturning the long-held mindset that people of African heritage can't or don't swim.

Joyce and other contributors reflect on the social and cultural misconceptions around swimming, and look at the changes underway to make our swimming pools more representative of Britain today.

Producer: Fiona Clampin

Sound Mixing: Mike Woolley

An Overcoat Media production for BBC Radio 4

Following one woman's journey, making swimming in Britain more diverse.

Watching her children at swimming lessons from the poolside week in, week out, Joyce Osei wondered why there were so few kids in the pool who looked like hers.

Sport England research estimates that 95 per cent of black adults in England don't swim, and 80 per cent of children. And now she's in her mid-40s, Joyce has decided it's about time she learned too, joining the other black Britons who are overturning the long-held mindset that people of African heritage can't or don't swim.

Joyce and other contributors reflect on the social and cultural misconceptions around swimming, and look at the changes underway to make our swimming pools more representative of Britain today.

Producer: Fiona Clampin

Sound Mixing: Mike Woolley

An Overcoat Media production for BBC Radio 4

Following one woman's journey, making swimming in Britain more diverse.