The Voice Challenging the Status Quo in British Swimming
Keynote speaker, trainer, and thought leader on diversity, inclusion, and aquaphobia in aquatics. Inspiring change one talk, one training, one life at a time.
About katrice
Why Katrice’s Voice Matters
When Katrice Rodrigues swam competitively across the UK in the late 80s and early 90s, she was often the only Black swimmer in the pool. In 2025, not much has changed.
Black children are still 7 times more likely to drown than White children. Less than 1% of Team GB Aquatics is from diverse backgrounds. 95% of Black adults don’t participate in swimming regularly.
These aren’t just statistics to Katrice, they’re personal. They’re the reason she’s been teaching, coaching, advocating, and speaking truth since 1996 – to an industry that desperately needs to change.
As a Swim England Tutor, Advanced Aquaphobia Coach, founder of Unity Swimming CIC and Swim Fearless, Katrice brings a unique combination of:
Lived experience as a Black competitive swimmer
Professional expertise in teaching, coaching, and curriculum development
Strategic vision for systemic change in aquatics
Data-driven insights that challenge assumptions and inspire action
Katrice doesn’t just talk about diversity she’s building it. From teaching swim lessons in Leicestershire to delivering training for Swim England qualifications to speaking at national conferences, Katrice is on a mission to ensure the next generation doesn’t have to swim alone.
What Katrice Speaks About
01
Swimming While Black: My Journey from Isolation to Advocacy
Katrice’s personal story as a competitive swimmer, the barriers she faced, and why representation matters, not just for comfort, but for survival.
02
The Drowning Gap: Why Black and Asian Children & Communities Are Disproportionally Dying and What We Can Do
A data-driven look at the disparities in drowning rates and swimming participation, the root causes, and evidence-based solutions.
03
Aquaphobia Isn’t “Just Fear”: Understanding the Psychology of Water Fear
Why traditional swim lessons fail people with aquaphobia, the neurological and cultural roots of water fear, and how to coach effectively.
04
From 1% to 12%: A Roadmap for Diversity in British Aquatics by 2032
Katrice’s bold vision for achieving 12% diverse representation in Team GB Aquatics by the 2032 Olympics, and how every stakeholder can play a role.
05
Breaking Stereotypes: Busting the Myths That Keep Communities Out of Water
Challenging harmful racial stereotypes (like “Black people can’t float”), exploring the real barriers, and creating culturally responsive aquatic environments.
Training & Workshops
Katrice delivers customised training and workshops for:
Swim schools and aquatic facilities
Local authorities and leisure trusts
Swimming clubs and governing bodies
Teacher training programmes
Corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives
Training Topics:
Creating inclusive and culturally responsive aquatic environments
Teaching swimmers with aquaphobia and trauma histories
Understanding and dismantling racial stereotypes in swimming
Recruiting and retaining diverse aquatics staff
Implementing effective Diversity and Inclusion Action Plans
Services
Book Katrice for Speaking
Inspire your audience with Katrice’s powerful storytelling, data-driven insights, and vision for change.
Book Training for Your Organisation
Equip your team with the knowledge and tools to create truly inclusive aquatic spaces.
Ready to Bring Katrice to Your Event or Organisation?
Let’s talk about how Katrice can inspire, educate, and equip your audience to be part of the solution.
