Still from a 60 minute feature documentary on the study, to be released on December 11th on S4C and BBCiPlayer, titled Seren Jones: Yn Fyw yn y Dŵr (Alive in Water). Credit: S4C
- The study saw a 93% success rate: 89 of 96 participants of African, Caribbean, Asian or mixed heritage floated competently for two minutes
- A new S4C feature documentary accompanies the findings and addresses the "heavy bones" myth on BBC iPlayer
A landmark study has debunked the long-held belief that people of African, Caribbean and Asian heritage cannot float due to "heavy bones," after 93% of participants successfully floated for two minutes following proper instruction.
The research - led by the Black Swimming Association (BSA) , conducted by the University of Portsmouth and in partnership with the RNLI - was commissioned to address the damaging and widespread narrative that people of Black heritage have heavy bones, and are therefore less buoyant than people of white heritage. This has led to a widespread belief that men, women and children from these communities either struggle to float or cannot float.
This finding challenges a persistent myth that has deterred generations from engaging in water-based activities and potentially contributed towards higher drowning rates in these communities.
Danielle Obe, Chair and cofounder of the BSA said: "The Float research marks a generational turning point. For the first time, we have rigorous scientific evidence confirming that there is no physiological reason why people from our communities cannot float. Our slogan stands true: Every Body Floats. The barrier was not only belief; it was also the long-held assumption that there is just one way to float - in the "Starfish" position. Our work evidences that everybody floats differently, and we must teach floating differently."
"Float transforms fear into knowledge, and knowledge into safety. Now that we understand how everybody floats, we can finally reach the people who were never reached, and save the lives that were always saveable."
As part of the research project, researchers measured participants' body composition using advanced imaging (DXA scans), as well as buoyancy levels and floating technique.
The research, which involved 96 participants, revealed a number of key findings, such as higher bone mineral density showed no correlation with floating competence.
The research showed that body fat percentage can predict buoyancy and ease of floating. While passive floaters (those requiring minimal effort) had higher body fat percentages and greater buoyancy, active floaters (requiring more movement) had lower body fat but could still maintain flotation with proper technique. However, although body fat percentage is considered a factor that can determine floating, the results showed that one's ability to float is not solely dependent on one's body fat percentage.
When most people think about floating, they picture lying perfectly still with the whole of their body resting at the water's surface. In reality, that is possible for some people, but doesn't work for everyone."
Dr Heather Massey, University of Portsmouth's Extreme Environments Laboratory
Dr Heather Massey, Lead Researcher from the University of Portsmouth's Extreme Environments Laboratory said: "When most people think about floating, they picture lying perfectly still with the whole of their body resting at the water's surface. In reality, that is possible for some people, but doesn't work for everyone.
"For many, staying afloat and keeping the nose and mouth clear of the water takes effort and a bit of technique, but it's absolutely possible and needs to be practiced so that every person can find a floating position that requires the least amount of effort for themselves."
Most importantly, researchers found that with appropriate instruction participants could float at various body angles, and that maintaining a horizontal position was not necessary for successful flotation. What is necessary for individuals who are learning how to float is to "find their float," the technique and position that feels most natural for their body in the water.
Earlier this year, the RNLI and the National Water Safety Forum urged members of the public to "Find Your Float" on World Drowning Prevention Day, highlighting the Float to Live technique.
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: "We know that everyone floats differently and it's important that this message reaches communities across the UK and Ireland as we also know that using the Float to Live technique can save your life if you get into difficulty in any body of water. We would advise everyone to practise floating in a safe, lifeguarded place to ensure they know what to do if they get into trouble in the water."
The belief that certain ethnic groups cannot float has been a significant barrier to water safety education and aquatic participation across the country. According to the National Child Mortality Database , in the year ending 31 March 2024, Black children in England were at three times higher risk of drowning than white children.
In addition, according to Sport England, 96% of Black adults and 95% of Asian adults in England do not swim regularly. With 75% of this study's participants reporting little to no recent water experience before the study, this research provides critical evidence that could save lives.
Elizabeth Adan-Peart, 59, took part in the study. She said: "I was very nervous on the day but I had a great time and I learnt a lot about my float style. My float experience before this involved nearly drowning as a child so I stayed out of the water after that. By the end of the session I could float. I've mentioned my experience to others and since found out there are lots of people who are not confident in water. Learning how to stay afloat definitely builds water confidence."
To accompany the research findings, a 60 minute feature documentary will also be released on December 11th on S4C and BBCiPlayer. The Welsh language programme (available with English subtitles), titled Seren Jones: Yn Fyw yn y Dŵr (Alive in Water), follows journalist and BSA cofounder Seren Jones, who investigates the origin of the heavy bones myth and addresses the dangers and fatalities around water safety across Wales and the UK.
Journalist and BSA cofounder Seren Jones said: "While the findings reveal that a lot of people haven't been taught how to find their float, the documentary reveals that a lot of people have never been taught basic water safety education."
"On average, around 400 people accidentally drown every year in the UK, yet conversations around water safety are not prioritised in our schools nor our homes. We need to ensure that members of the public, especially those considered high risk, know how to be safe in and around water so we can prevent drownings across the country."
The BSA, University of Portsmouth and the RNLI believe these findings provide underpinning evidence for water safety messaging, which can improve outcomes in accidental water immersion scenarios and encourage greater participation in aquatic activities, especially among underrepresented communities.
While the findings of this research project are currently preliminary, the paper aims to be submitted to an academic journal in 2026.
