In this episode, we dive beneath the water to explore why Black children are drowning more than any other race, why marginalized communities often lack access to swimming pools, and how to stay safe in the water. We hear about the alarming trend facing swimming pools in cities across the nation, relive a fight to save one Milwaukee pool, and walk the shores of Lake Michigan with the Beach Ambassador program. Join us as Brenda Coley, Jumana Tanner, Cheryl Bledsoe, Sally Callan, and Deidre Peroff discuss how racism, segregation and redlining has taken away Black people’s access to water and, essentially, the right to swim.

Links:

View pools throughout time: Reflo’s Milwaukee Community Map

Beach Ambassadors fill vital role on Milwaukee beach

Podcast: Beach Ambassadors fill vital role on Milwaukee beach

A fight to keep Milwaukee pool open uses Sea Grant data and strong partnerships

Podcast: Fight to Keep Milwaukee Pool Open

Rip Currents

Waves and Nearshore Currents

Special thanks to our guests:

Jumana Tanner, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Brenda Coley, Milwaukee Water Commons

Deidre Peroff, Wisconsin Sea Grant

Sally Callan, Lincoln Park neighborhood organizer

Cheryl Bledsoe, Lincoln Park neighborhood organizer