Olympian Cullen Jones Partners with Diversity In Aquatics to Combat Racial Disparities in Swimming Access
May is National Water Safety Month and Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones is teaming up with Diversity In Aquatics in a new initiative to address long-standing racial disparities in swimming access and education across the United States. Together, they are working to increase awareness, provide critical swim education, and expand access to aquatic resources in underserved communities.
Jones, who nearly drowned at age five before going on to become one of the most decorated Black swimmers in history, has long been an advocate for swim safety and equity. Through this partnership, he aims to amplify the mission of Diversity In Aquatics to break down historical and structural barriers that continue to keep many communities of color from accessing life-saving swim education.
“I almost lost my life in the water before I ever learned how to swim,” said Cullen Jones, Olympic gold medalist. “That experience changed everything for me. Swimming opened doors, gave me confidence, and saved my life. Too many Black and Brown children don’t get that chance—because of history, because of lack of access, because of fear. This initiative is about changing that. It’s about saving lives and creating opportunity through the water.”
Despite progress, racial disparities in drowning rates persist. According to the CDC, Black children in the U.S. are 5.5 times more likely to drown than their white peers. The American Red Cross reports that nearly 64% of Black children have little to no swimming ability. These disparities are rooted in decades of exclusion from public pools, limited access to affordable swim lessons, and a lack of representation in aquatic spaces.
Diversity In Aquatics, a national nonprofit dedicated to water safety and inclusion, provides swim programs, lifeguard training, and aquatic career pathways for underrepresented communities. The organization is also a leading advocate for infrastructure investments and policies that promote water equity.
“Access to swimming is a social justice issue,” said Dr. Miriam Lynch, Executive Director at Diversity In Aquatics. We are thrilled to partner with Cullen Jones, whose story and leadership inspire the next generation. Together, we’re working to ensure every child—regardless of race, zip code, or income—has the access and opportunity to learn to swim, feel safe in the water, and thrive in aquatics.”
Through events, community outreach, and national advocacy, the collaboration will focus on expanding swim education, diversifying the aquatics industry, and driving policy changes that invest in pools and programming for underserved areas.
To learn more, visit: www.diversityinaquatics.org/findapool
Connect with Cullen Jones:
Instagram: @cullenjones
TikTok: @cullenjones41
About Cullen Jones
Cullen Jones is a four-time Olympic medalist, with two golds and two silver medals, and was the first African American swimmer to hold a world record. Today, he is a leading voice in drowning prevention and swim equity.
About Diversity In Aquatics
Diversity In Aquatics is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing water safety, promoting diversity in aquatics, and eliminating drowning disparities in historically underrepresented communities.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion!
Id like help in advancing minority water safety.