I’ve heard some blame it on lack of access to public swimming pools but I think their parents just don’t prioritize them learning to swim. Most white parents want their kids to learn how to swim as just a basic safety precaution and encourage them to learn it while still young.
Our son learned to swim at the same time he was learning to walk. We went to the local YMCA every Saturday morning for lessons.
In Florida we teach the kids to swim as soon as they can walk.
Way to much open water here
I can't even remember when I couldn't swim. I was always able to be in water over my head with no jeopardy whatsoever of drowning as I could easily stay afloat.
In a town near me 50 years ago the white kids could not go to the town pool - black territory.
So the blacks should be the swimmers in that town. But they probably aren’t.