The CDC says drowning death rates for black Americans under 30 are 1 and half times higher than white Americans | Community

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) — According to the CDC drowning death rates for black Americans under age thirty are one and a half times higher than for white Americans.

Campbell Finley is a lifeguard.

Becoming a lifeguard is something that’s in her blood.

“I think there should be more black lifeguards,” she said. 

According to the CDC, disparities are highest among black children ages 5 to 9 at rates of 2 point six times higher.

So what’s the reason behind all of this?

“African Americans historically have lower access to pools in addition to access to high-quality swim lessons,” said Dr. Nicola Finley.

Doctor Nicola Finley is a board-certified internal medicine physician.

She told News 4 Tucson that if black mothers have a fear of swimming they might not encourage their children to swim.

Tony Finley the CFO at Apache Nitrogen Products wants the future to be full of more African American lifeguards.

“It’s actually a good job. It’s a role model job for me it’s an accomplishment becoming a lifeguard it wasn’t a job like fast food,” he said. 

Black children ages ten to fourteen drown at rates seven point six times higher than white children.