“Did you know that you can breathe underwater?” Dr. Ayanna Rakhu, Founder of Sankofa Swim International, asked a group of Black women inside a pool at the first ever W.A.D.E STL held at the Pallottine Renewal Center (PRC) in early March. Most of the women had never learned to swim and smiled in disbelief. A USA Swimming coach from St. Louis, Mo., Dr. Rakhu suddenly submerged her head underwater and blew bubbles out of her nose. When she came up for air, the women beamed with confidence — their collective “ah-ah” rippling across the pool.
For Dr. Rakhu, it was no coincidence that all the women gathered were of African descent. After interviewing dozens of Black people about their relationship with swimming for her Ph.D., Dr. Rakhu saw an urgent need for swim training in the Black community that was anxiety sensitive, and culture- and trauma-informed. “Not knowing how to swim has cost us lives and an opportunity to be healed by the water,” she said. “That is why our approach incorporates positive reinforcement, free play, and social and emotional support.” To help more African Americans become confident swimmers, Dr. Rakhu started the Sankofa Swim International social benefit corporation and W.A.D.E, an interactive in-pool experience aimed at increasing confidence and skills in the water.
Her first W.A.D.E. event in St. Louis was sponsored by the Swim On Foundation and took place at the PRC March 3rd - 5th. Over the course of two days, Dr. Rakhu and co-instructors Serilla Flanigan (of St. Louis, Mo.) and Hope Lockett, (of St. Paul, Mn.), helped 20 participants — from afraid-of-water, to beginner and advanced — increase their skills in the pool. Reflecting on her time at W.A.D.E STL, Tamika Evans said, “I’m 55 but I never got in the water because I was afraid to put my head underwater. With the help of the instructors, I was able to learn how to breathe, put my head underwater, and blow bubbles. For me, that is like getting a diploma. Actually, it’s like graduating from college. I am extremely excited about what I learned today.”
Dr. Rakhu looks forward to reaching more aspiring swimmers in the future, and said she appreciates the warm and welcoming accommodations PRC provided. "With its hospitable staff, and heated, multi-level pool with private changing areas and showers, PRC provided the ideal amenities needed to make our first St. Louis W.A.D.E. event a success," said Dr. Rakhu.
For more information, contact Dr. Ayanna Rakhu at Ayanna@sankofaswim.com
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