February is Black History Month. We celebrate the lives and contributions of Black Canadians.
Remembering Joe Fortes
Joe Fortes was born in Trinidad in 1863. As a young man, Fortes travelled by ship to England. He lived in Liverpool.
Fortes was a strong swimmer and diver. People were surprised when he swam across the Mersey River. The river was 1,200 metres wide.
Life in Vancouver
In 1885, Fortes came to Vancouver by ship. He spent his free time at English Bay. In warmer months, he lived in a tent on the beach. He helped keep the area clean and safe.
In 1900, the city hired him as a lifeguard. He saved at least 29 lives. He taught thousands of children to swim.
Fortes died in 1922. At his funeral, 10,000 people lined the streets.
Adapted from British Columbia Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/British Library