If you are an ethnic minority you are twice as likely to be a none swimmer. Why is this? Do ethnic minorities opt out of swimming lessons at school?
I learnt to swim while I was still at infant school.

I have vague memories of Mrs Green (head teacher Western Road infant School) giving me a booklet with vouchers for free admission into Glossop Road baths to learn to swim.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13659716

I used to go all the time as a youngster and I still am unable to swim. I really have no idea why I can't. I am an ethnic minority, but saying that, every other ethnic that I know can swim.

I used to go all the time as a youngster and I still am unable to swim. I really have no idea why I can't. I am an ethnic minority, but saying that, every other ethnic that I know can swim.

Hello MC

I think it is interesting that some people from various backgrounds can excel in their chosen sport e.g. people from a West Indian background are good at athletics, yet they are under represented in snooker.

We are an island nation; the sea has always been a major part of our life and culture so swimming has always been seen as a major, almost necessary, skill.

People whose origins are in landlocked countries, or large countries where they may have been hundreds of miles from the sea, might well view the notion of learning to swim with total incomprehension. Their ethnic origins would subconsciously be telling them "what on earth is the point?"