Our Story

In 2020, the Black Swimming Association (BSA) was founded by four strangers who shared one common goal: they wanted to create a safe space that would encourage more people in our communities to not only get into the water, but to do so safely.

Since then, the BSA has gone on to educate and raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention within the aquatics sector as well as minority communities across the U.K.

Now, 5 years later, the BSA has proudly helped hundreds of people safely find their place in the water, whilst challenging the damaging narratives and stereotypes that have historically excluded these communities and kept them away from the water.

Who We Serve

At the BSA, our programmes are created to assist those who come from communities where water safety and aquatic activities are not the norm, and are even discouraged due to fear, a lack of knowledge and skill, or due to traumatic incidents in and around the water.

Generations of people, especially from Black and Brown communities, have lived lives where water-based activities were not seen as something they could partake in. Consequently, this has lead these communities to be at a higher risk of water related deaths compared to communities where water-based activities are a part of their lifestyle.

We serve those who are most at risk and need to most help gaining confidence and having access to the resources they need.

Meet the team

From the creative thinkers to the meticulous planners, every team member plays a crucial role in our collective success.

Kerry Downes, CEO

As the BSA’s inaugural CEO, Kerry brings extensive grassroots and leadership experience across sport, community, and justice sectors. She has a proven track record of establishing investment pipelines, strengthening governance, and building transformative and meaningful partnerships that have improved lives and expanded opportunity. Kerry is spearheading the BSA’s expansion through promoting water safety education and drowning prevention knowledge.

Jo Melchior, Head of Programmes

As Head of Programmes, Jo has 45 years of experience in teaching, coaching, leisure management. She has also successfully designed, developed and delivered targeted community-based projects for different for all ages across multiple sports. Jo loves boxing, rugby and feeding people.

Damian Stevenson, Research and Insights Strategic Consultant

Damian has 24 years of experience in influencing decision-making at the highest levels of private and public sector organisations. Damian helped create the BSA’s Research and Insights branch, by creating innovative research programmes and insight strategies, through putting communities at the heart of of our work and using insight as the ‘golden thread’ to adding financial and social value.

Seren Jones, Cofounder and Head of Marketing and Communications

Seren is one of the BSA’s four cofounders as well as 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. Prior to her time in narrative audio, Seren spent five years working as a multi-media reporter and producer at BBC News covering national and international affairs. Outside of work hours, Seren loves spending time with loved ones and having a chinwag with anyone who has the time!

Lee Bailey, Community Engagement Officer

As Community Engagement Officer, Lee is the BSA’s ‘people person’. Lee oversees the recruitment of participants to our award-winning programmes and is therefore the first point of contact our participants have with the BSA. Lee loves water and appreciates all the mental and physical benefits that come with water activities. Outside of work you can find Lee having a solo swim, doing some yoga or pilates.

Steph Makuvise, National Programme Manager, BSA Wales

Steph oversees all the BSA’s activities and partnerships across Wales, ensuring they align to the wider organisations strategy. Her passion lies in ensuring that people from all backgrounds can engage in sport and physical activity in an environment that meets their wants and needs. Outside the sports world, Steph spends her time collecting sneakers and is a part time Arsenal fan – we’ll let you figure out how that’s going!

 

Wesley Thomas, Research and Insights Executive

As our research and insights exec, Wesley’s work focuses on data and analysis related to our programmes, the communities we work with, and the broader aquatic sector. Outside of work, Wesley enjoys exploring new recipes and cuisines in the kitchen and improving his fencing skills.

Bobbi-Jo Allen, Project Manager

Bobbi-Jo is our Project Manager at the BSA. With a background in community work, she’s passionate about improving water safety and ensuring everyone has the knowledge and skills to feel confident in and around water. Bobbi-Jo loves working on projects that empower communities and promote lifesaving aquatic education.