The event will take place in Colombia in August 2025 on a date that will be announced in the coming weeks, and will feature a 10-day swim retreat in the hopes of addressing the swim knowledge disparity in the black community. This luxury learning experience is being led by well-known community activist Diamond Crystal, otherwise known as the Gallivanting Grandma.

For more information, visit https://www.back2thewater.com/

Crystal created this retreat after she was personally able to overcome her fear of the water and participate in a snorkeling expedition in Mexico. Ever since, her enthusiasm for swimming and underwater exploration has grown, and she hopes to share that passion with other women who struggle to conquer their fears of the water.

The Back2theWater organization explains that 1 in 3 black Americans do not know how to swim, and as such, face a drowning rate that is nearly 50% higher than the national average. Those over the age of 65 are impacted especially disproportionately, and are among the most likely to experience aquaphobia, or fear of the water.

Over the course of the 10-day program, participants will be gradually introduced to confidence and skill development techniques to break through fears and feel safer around water. The program begins in shallow water with basic safety techniques and swimming strokes before moving to deeper water once all participants are ready.

By the final day of the retreat, organizers hope to have trained participants on how to stay afloat and get to safety in deep water, including in the open ocean. All training will be conducted in a closely monitored group setting with proper safety precautions in place to ensure that all attendees are comfortable and ready to learn.

One participant of a previous wellness retreat stated, “Being able to connect with so many wise black women who are actually doing the inner work to heal was soul altering. Sharing space and sharing community together was my favorite part of all. I can’t wait for the next one.”

Those who wish to reserve their spot in the August 2025 retreat can submit their deposit through the form at the link below. Back2theWater is also currently seeking sponsors for the event; companies and individuals are both eligible to donate.

To find out more, visit https://www.back2thewater.com/

Back2theWater
[email protected]
+1 843 810 8743
8000 Research Forest Drive
The Woodlands
Texas
77382
United States

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