In this episode of the Pain Free Athlete podcast, host Dana Jones speaks with Seren Jones, co-founder of the Black Swimming Association (BSA). They discuss the importance of water safety, the differences between swimming and water safety education, and the challenges faced by Black and minority communities in accessing swimming resources. Seren shares insights on the demographics most at risk for drowning, the psychological barriers to learning how to swim, and the cultural myths surrounding swimming in the Black community. The conversation emphasizes the need for community outreach, education, and the therapeutic aspects of learning to swim.

About Seren:

Seren Jones is a multi award-winning journalist specialising in documentaries and podcasts. She has hosted, produced and written mini series for some of the audio industry's biggest platforms including Wondery, Apple, BBC Sounds and Audible. Her original podcast series, Black and Blue: Behind the Badge, was recognised at the British Podcast Awards in the 'Best Factual' category. Seren holds BAFTA and ARIAS nominations, and has been named as one of the Radio Academy's 30 Under 30 finalists, as well as one of PodPod's Faces to Watch.
Beyond journalism, Seren is co-founder of the Black Swimming Association (BSA), an award-winning charity set up to raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention. She has also spoken on a number of panels on issues involving news, Welsh affairs, and race, gender and equality in sport.

The BSA is a non-profit organisation, set up to diversify the world of aquatics through consultancy, advocacy, research, education and support to ensure that people of African, Caribbean and Asian heritage have equitable, safe access to vital water safety, drowning prevention and all the benefits of engaging in aquatics, from boardroom to grassroots.

The organisation works with government agencies, governing bodies, lifesaving authorities, brands, charities, sports councils, local government authorities, leisure operators, research and educational institutions to promote diversity and inclusion in aquatics for all communities.

Seren’s Links:

https://thebsa.co.uk/

https://www.serentljones.com/

https://www.instagram.com/blackswimmingassociation/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHM7h-64_XchbCi_fCcT2Rg

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebsa/

Dana’s Links:

⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.