For Paulana Lamonier, swimming is an act of liberation, though for many Black people being in the water can be intimidating.

PIX11 spoke with the founders of Black People Will Swim, Bundles of Joy NY, and Dancing Dreams about the differences they are making in their neighborhoods.

Black children drown at a rate far higher than white children. New programs are working to overcome barriers.

A Uniondale swim instructor spent August helping change the statistic that Black people are more likely to drown.

Paulana Lamonier has built up a business to provide low-cost swimming education for Black children and adults.