Forum Talk: An introduction to the Black Swimming Association’s ground-breaking research
Speaker: Damian Stevenson, Strategic Lead Research and Insights, Black Swimming Association
Abstract: This presentation is an overview of the BSA’s work since we began just over 4 years ago, focusing on our research and the evaluation of our delivery programmes. We have found that many ethnically diverse communities face complex and multifaceted barriers to engaging in swimming and broader aquatic activities. Our research aims to break down the myths and stereotypes, providing a platform for positive discussion about inclusion and what ‘equity of access’ looks like, based on community engagement programmes that work.
This presentation isn’t (just) about swimming. It’s about the broader family of aquatic activities and how people from underserved communities can be welcomed into these activities with the right support and engagement. It’s about providing positive experiences to help overcome misconceptions of whether this is something “for people like me”. I will highlight why the focus should be on being safe in and around the water, building trusted relationships with communities to achieve incredible outcomes. It should also be about having fun and reframing what aquatic activity means to communities.
Our insights focus on removing systemic cultural, attitudinal and behavioural barriers that still exist today. I will demonstrate how the BSA provide opportunities for ethnically diverse communities to engage in aquatic activity, to help find their place in the water
