This has to be the best swimming relay I’ve ever seen and I’m glad they chose Cullen Jones to be on the team. I first read about Cullen in an article at Black Gives Back. I was just reading through her blog and happened upon the article, which was good timing because I had just started my three year-old in swim lessons a couple of weeks before. My wife and I thought it would be a good idea because we wanted him to be comfortable around the water. Being a Pieces, I love the water and I want to be able to take my kids to the pool without having to worry about them being fearful of it.

According to an article in the LA Times (and Black Give Back), nearly 60% of African American children don’t know how to swim and the rate of accidental drowning deaths is nearly three times higher for minorities ages 5 to 14 than it is for whites. I’m hoping as more people learn about Cullen and his accomplishments these numbers will decrease. There are a number of organizations who specialize in helping kids learn to swim. You can find more information on the YMCA website.