A Comparison of Natural Body Bouyancy of Negro and Caucasian Boys

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not there was a difference in natural body buoyancy between Negro and Caucasian boys who ranged in age from six to twelve.

The subjects used in this study were 50 Negro and 50 Caucasian boys who were enrolled in the American Red Cross “Learn to Swim” Program in Knoxville, Tennessee. All subjects had passed the American Red Cross Beginner Swimming Course, which eliminated all who were not physically and mentally adjusted to the water. The subjects were classified according to race, age, weight, and height.

Two float tests were administered in order to determine natural body buoyancy. They were: (1) the vertical float test and (2) the turtle float test. Each subject was tested twice on each of the float tests. The Fisher Exact Probability Test was used to analyze the data gathered.

The analysis of results would seem to warrant the following conclusions:

1. That until the age of nine, age does not appear to be a factor in the floating ability of Negro and Caucasian boys.

2. That there is a tendency for a different in floating ability to exist between Negro and Caucasian boys who weigh 70 to 90 pounds.

3. That there is a tendency for a difference in floating ability to exist between Negro and Caucasian boys who stand 54 to 56 inches in height.

4. That Negro boys ranging in age from six to twelve, weighing 40 to 130 pounds, and standing 45 to 63 inches in height do not float as consistently as Caucasian boys of the same physical characteristics.