Get Over Aquaphobia With Upcoming Summer Swimming Retreat In Cartagena, Colombia
Are you a BIPOC woman—55 years or older—still scared of water? Face your fears this summer and join Back2theWater for its wellness and swimming retreat!
Before learning the freestyle, backstroke, or butterfly, being comfortable in water is the most important skill for swimming. Unfortunately, with a history of systemic exclusion from public swimming spaces, most older BIPOC women have not had the chance to pick up the skill.
To help you learn to swim and overcome your generational fear of water, Back2theWater will be hosting a new retreat in Cartagena, Colombia from August 17 to August 27, 2025.
Making Swimming More Accessible
Back2theWater’s ultimate mission is to make swimming more accessible in BIPOC communities.
“Black and Brown women face disproportionately higher drowning rates, often linked to generational barriers, cultural stigma, and lack of swim education,” said a spokesperson for the organization. “This retreat redefines the water as a place of joy and empowerment, offering a safe and culturally sensitive space for women to rewrite their stories.”
This summer, Back2theWater will work to relieve you from the burden of aquaphobia, helping you embrace water as a place for excitement, peace, and adventure.
Learn A Valuable Life-Saving Skill While Exploring A New Culture
Back2theWater’s summer retreat will feature swimming lessons catered to adults, trauma-informed mental health exercises, and intimate team-building activities. By taking this comprehensive program, you will gain a valuable life-saving skill, develop practical strategies for performing under pressure, and become an ambassador for swimming in your community.
Plus, the retreat will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture of Cartagena, enjoying their history, cuisine, and more.
If you want to contribute to Back2theWater’s wellness and swimming initiative, the organization is currently searching for passionate individuals and organizations to share insights on trauma and healing, help increase brand visibility, and spread awareness for its 2025 summer retreat.
Empowering Marginalized Groups
Back2theWater is one of the very few initiatives committed to tackling the rarely discussed swim disparity in BIPOC communities. By creating a safe space for skill and confidence-building, healing, and communion among like-minded individuals, the organization hopes to empower more marginalized groups.
“This retreat isn’t just about learning to swim. It’s about dismantling generational fears, fostering community, and reclaiming water as a source of freedom and strength," commented founder and travel ambassador Diamond Crystal.
for more on Back2theWater’s upcoming summer retreat.
