Water confidence initiative launched to combat underrepresentation of Black women  

Waterways charity, the Canal & River Trust, working in partnership with Sport England, is launching a new swimming and water confidence initiative designed to support Black women in Birmingham to feel safer, more confident and better connected to water. 

The Swim Sista Swim programme has been developed in response to the underrepresentation of Black women in water-based activities.  

Through this partnership, the Canal & River Trust and Sport England, through National Lottery, aim to address inequalities by improving access to swimming and wider water-based opportunities across Birmingham.  

This work is especially important as, according to the World Health Organisation, the Black community is statistically at greater risk of drowning. 

The charity has been running a similar programme aimed at Black women in Nottingham for the past two years. 

In that time, the award‑winning programme has seen more than 150 women taking to the water for the first time, with some going on to compete in national paddling competitions and others volunteering on the city’s waterways. 

Starting this week, the programme forms part of a 12‑month initiative and begins with a 10‑week block offering Black women the opportunity to learn how to swim and build confidence in and around water. 

Alongside swimming sessions at Beeches Pool & Fitness Centre, participants will also be introduced to a range of free canal-based activities, including guided canal walks, a heritage boat trip and canoeing sessions. 

Open to women facing personal, cultural or practical barriers to swimming and being on or next to water, the programme supports participants to develop new skills or build on existing ones in a welcoming and inclusive environment. 

Henriette Breukelaar, director for the West Midlands at the Canal & River Trust, said: “Everyone benefits from being confident and safe around water, yet we know that many Black women face barriers to accessing swimming and water-based activities. 

“Swim Sista Swim is about breaking those barriers down by creating an inclusive, supportive space where women can learn new skills, support each other and build confidence at their own pace. By working in partnership with Sport England, we hope this programme will not only improve water safety but also help more women form a lifelong, positive connection with swimming and Birmingham’s canals.” 

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, executive director of Place, at Sport England, said: “Following the success of Swim Sista Swim in Nottingham, it is exciting to see the launch of a Swim Sista Swim pilot for Black women in Birmingham. 

“This is a great example of tackling inequalities within sport and physical activity, strengthening the relationship between communities, their local environment, physical activity and wellbeing in areas of greatest need in Sport England place priority areas. Another brilliant example of one of our national strategic land-owning partners delivering locally in place.” 

For more information or to register interest in the Swim Sista Swim programme, contact Amat Saeed at the Canal & River Trust on 07789 270 641 or email amat.saeed@canalrivertrust.org.uk