Can We Test Swimming Lessons Skills in Drowning Prevention?

Abstract

Background Drowning is the third leading cause of death worldwide (WHO, 2010). According to Brenner et al (2009) participating in swimming lessons (SL) can reduce by 88% the risk of drowning in children 1–4 years old, despite some controversy regarding the most appropriate swimming programs (Ward, 2009). On the other hand no studies tested the skills acquired in SL in drowning prevention. So we proposed a test to evaluate the survivability of a child that accidentally falls into the water. Methods Twenty two children (4.68±0.82yrs) who practice SL (2.01±0.91yrs/practice) were subjected to two tests: aquatic readiness (AR) (Stallman et al, 2008); and survival test (ST), which consisted of an inflatable boat ride (unknown pool; presence of the usual swim teacher; wearing t-shirt) which 'accidentally' turns. Recorded images were later observed by 6 field experts whose observations obtained an overall index of concordance (IC) of 89%. Results In ST 15 children had positive responses (n=10, 100% IC; n=1, 66% IC; n=1, 83% IC; n=3, 50% IC) and 7 (n=6, 100% IC; n=1, 66% IC) would be in danger. Conclusions Through this test, we found that not all children whose result was positive in AR had a positive performance in the ST. This brings us to observe according to Langendörfer (2011) that the positive or negative response of the subject depends on the interaction of various constraints such as individual characteristics, the environment conditions, and the state in which the swimmer is. The application of ST suggests that the inclusion of safety and prevention activities in swimming lessons, aiming to develop attitudes and motor skills as a defense to drowning, must be taken into account. More studies are necessary to provide valid information to assist pediatricians in advising parents regarding what type of SL are more appropriate to reduce drowning.

Perceived and Real Aquatic Competence in Children from 6 to 10 Years Old

“…These are skills that demand higher motor coordination in synchronizing balance, breathing, arms, and legs actions, which may require to reach a higher motor development stage, to take in the most effective and efficient swimming pattern. Nevertheless, Asher et al [ 51 ] with toddlers and Oliveira et al [ 52 ] with five-year-old children, reported the ability of children to roll over and turn. Moreover, those skills are included further in swimming programs and may require more aquatic experience to be well perceived and mastered.…”

From Swimming Skill to Water Competence: Towards a More Inclusive Drowning Prevention Future

“…The manner of the entry and its consequences influence the surfacing process and its success or failure (Junge, Blixt, & Stallman, 2010). Breath holding and buoyancy control (among other competencies) are challenged while regaining the surface (Oliveira, Aranha, Resende, Cardoso, Pimenta, & Garrido, 2013). Surfacing in itself is a specific skill and includes the above, plus some form of propulsion to the surface.…”

“…They then needed to roll over to their back for ease of breathing and to turn towards the point of entry. A study of 5-year-old children (N = 22) showed that the random positions the children found themselves in after falling from a boat demanded that they needed to be able to both roll and turn (Oliveira et al, 2013). Both rolling over and turning were negatively influenced by clothing (Laakso, Horneman, Grimstad, & Stallman, 2014).…”

Predicting Parental Intentions to Enrol Their Children in Swimming Lessons Using an Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour

“…The dramatic decline in drowning rates in many countries has been attributed, inter alia, to improved swimming training (Austin & Macintosh, ; Brenner, Saluja, & Smith, ; Kao et al, ). Given that two key factors contributing to drowning in infants are children not having: (a) suitable swimming lessons and (b) experience of playing near or in water regularly (Yang, Nong, Li, Feng, & Lo, ), learn‐to‐swim classes can potentially significantly reduce child drownings (Asher, Rivara, Vance, & Dunne, ; Brenner et al, ; Ekchaloemkiet & Gerdmongkolgan, ; Moreno, ; Nguyen, Pham, & Linnan, ; Oliveira et al, ; Wallis et al, ).…”