Breaking Barriers: Rajinder’s Journey to Swimming Confidence
“Brown Girls Don’t Swim” is more than just a statement. It’s a challenge Rajinder Boucher courageously took on. Her story is about resilience, self-discovery, and breaking intergenerational cycles of limitation. Rajinder’s journey is an inspiring testament to what’s possible when determination meets opportunity, from a complete non-swimmer to confidently embracing open water swimming.
Setting the Scene: A Life Without Swimming
For Rajinder, growing up in a semi-liberal Sikh household in West London came with a complex relationship with her body and strict cultural expectations. Modesty and respectability were unspoken rules, and her “plumper” body type drew unwanted criticism.
“I grew up never seeing family members swim or fully submerge themselves in water. It just wasn’t part of our culture,” Rajinder shares. Her childhood experiences with water were limited to paddling along the shorelines during family seaside visits. Formal swimming lessons at school were infrequent and, in one traumatic instance, led to her being pushed into the water by a swimming instructor.
Swimming remained a distant and intimidating concept for years. Even into adulthood, holidays by the sea meant staying firmly on the sidelines. “I had convinced myself that swimming wasn’t for me,” she recalls.
The Turning Point: A Seed of Change
The spark to learn came unexpectedly. On a post-lockdown trip to Center Parcs with fellow mums, Rajinder found herself dreading the group’s excitement about swimming activities. She avoided joining in, masking her fear and inexperience with excuses.
A conversation with one of the mums, Kelly, changed everything. Kelly shared a heartfelt story about her late mother, who, despite her own insecurities, made sure her children enjoyed the water. Kelly’s words hit home. “What blueprint was I creating for my children? Was I setting an example of holding back from life’s experiences?” Rajinder wondered.
Determined to rewrite her narrative, Rajinder began searching for women-only swimming lessons. This led her to Open Minds Active, a safe and supportive space where she could embark on her swimming journey.
“I worked on water confidence, learned to tread water, float, and even master basic strokes,”.
Overcoming Challenges: Building Confidence and Skills
With the help of the patient and encouraging instructors, Rajinder started from scratch. “I worked on water confidence, learned to tread water, float, and even master basic strokes,” she says. Despite her insecurities about wearing a swimsuit, she found acceptance among a diverse group of women on similar journeys.
The physical and mental benefits became apparent. Swimming turned into a sanctuary, a place to relieve stress from her roles as a wife, mother, and carer. “It filled my cup, restoring my mental and physical well-being,” she reflects.
A Leap of Faith: The Open Water Experience
Rajinder’s newfound confidence led her to try open-water swimming, something she once thought impossible. Encouraged by her friend Jo, she visited Cromhall Quarry.
“I was filled with self-doubt. Could I handle the cold? Was I good enough for outdoor swimming?” But with Jo’s support, Rajinder took the plunge.
“The initial shock of the cold hit me, but as I relaxed, I began to swim a short course. I lay on my back, gazing at the sky, feeling alive for the first time in so long. It was exquisite, a feeling I had denied myself for years.”
The experience left her with a profound sense of calm and accomplishment.
Looking Back: A Transformational Journey
Rajinder’s journey from non-swimmer to open water enthusiast is more than a personal milestone. It’s a powerful story of resilience and self-empowerment.
Through her dedication and the support of communities like Open Minds Active, she has shattered barriers rooted in culture, fear, and self-doubt.
“I still can’t believe I did it,” Rajinder says. “This journey has been about so much more than swimming. It’s been about reclaiming my body, confidence, and joy.”
“Start small. Find a supportive environment, and don’t let self-doubt stop you. The water is for everyone. It’s never too late to learn.”
Inspiring Others to Take the Plunge
Rajinder’s story is a beacon for anyone who feels held back by fear or societal expectations. Her advice?
“Start small. Find a supportive environment, and don’t let self-doubt stop you. The water is for everyone. It’s never too late to learn.”
Rajinder’s journey is proof that the most transformative changes come from within. From the poolside to open water, she’s embraced a new chapter in life, one filled with confidence, calm, and a love for swimming she never thought possible.