Can You Swim? Self-Report and Actual Swimming Competence Among Young Adults in Ballarat, Australia

Petrass, Lauren A.; Blitvich, Jennifer D.; Mcelroy, G.K.; Harvey, Jack; Moran, Kevin

doi:10.25035/ijare.06.02.05

Cited by 22 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…The "Can You Swim Intervention" self-report survey was an extended version of the survey validated for similar use and applied in a large international study that included New Zealand, Norway, Japan and Australia Petrass et al, 2012). Modifications to the original survey included the addition of ten multiple choice questions that assessed swimming, water safety and aquatic knowledge (e.g., which of the following categories of drowning victims is least likely to wave or call for help?).…”

Section: Instrumentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This was expected, given that participants were undertaking a program where aquatic activities were part of their professional development Petrass et al, 2012). In contrast, a self-report study that examined the swimming ability of US adults, which claimed to be representative of the US population, indicated that 37% of respondents reported limited swimming ability (defined as unable to swim/could not swim the length of a standard pool [24 yd or 22 m]) (Irwin et al, 2009).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Preventing adolescent drowning: Understanding water safety knowledge, attitudes and swimming ability. The effect of a short water safety intervention

Petrass

Blitvich

2014

Accident Analysis & Prevention

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Section: Instrumentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preventing adolescent drowning: Understanding water safety knowledge, attitudes and swimming ability. The effect of a short water safety intervention

Petrass

Blitvich

2014

Accident Analysis & Prevention

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“…Importantly, we hope this definition promotes further research to evaluate the components of water competency and factors that impact them such as those being undertaken by the international Can You Swim? study group (e.g., Kjendlie, et al, 2013;Moran, 2014;Moran, et al, 2012;Petrass, et al, 2012;Stallman, et al, 2008). Research and Education, Vol.…”

Section: Discussion Program Revisionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Another study from China showed that children who had swim lessons also had a decreased drowning death risk (Yang, Nong, Li, Feng, & Lo, 2007). While limited evidence supports the protective role of swimming lessons or swimming skill among adolescents or adults, promotion of swimming skills continues among these age groups (Petrass, Blitvich, McElroy, Harvey, & Moran, 2012).…”

Section: Water Safetymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As a follow-up to the Petrass, et al (2012) study to understand the status of water competency in the general U.S. public, the American Red Cross conducted a water safety survey using our definition of water competency. Utilizing the ARC International's Online CARAVAN omnibus survey, a study was conducted in April 2014 among a national sample of 1,024 American adults (http://www.redcross.org/ images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m32740103_Water-Safety-Poll-2014.…”

Section: Follow Up Online Surveymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Toward Defining Water Competency: An American Red Cross Definition

Quan

Ramos

Harvey³

et al. 2015

IJARE

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Water competency entails more than a perception of just being able to swim and an operational definition of water competency is necessary for learn-to-swim program evaluation and policy development. To devise an operational definition, members of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Aquatic subcouncil surveyed nine key national (United States) organizations, 14 international organizations, and 19 other key informants involved with water safety and swimming activities for their requirements for swimming in the "deep end." The most frequently reported variables included (a) distance swum, (b) floating or treading water, (c) entrance into water unassisted, and (d) exit from the water unassisted. The subcouncil proposed that water competency include the following: (1) entry with total submersion; (2) recovery to the surface and float or tread for at least 1 min; (3) turn 360° and orient toward an exit point; (4) level off and move on front and/or on back position for at least 25 yards; and (5) exit from the water. We note that water competency is influenced by conditions of the aquatic environment (e.g., water temperature, movement, depth) into which the person may be introduced, and that skills demonstrated in one aquatic environment may not transfer to another. Our proposed operational definition for water competency provides an initial framework for an expanded version that may be expanded to be used globally.

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“They don't think it will ever happen to them”: Exploring factors affecting participation in alcohol‐influenced aquatic activity among young Australian adults

Calverley

Petrass

Blitvich

2021

Health Prom J of Aust

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Issue addressed: Young adults are over-represented in alcohol-related drownings in high-income countries; however, little research has investigated their behaviours and decision-making to inform prevention efforts.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 young Australian adults (aged 18-24 years). Questions, informed by previous research, inquired about behavioural practices in aquatic contexts and influences on involvement in alcoholinfluenced aquatic activity. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Thematic and interpretative phenomenological analysis followed.Results: Two main themes: personal and contextual awareness, and the impact of other people affected perceptions and involvement in alcohol-influenced aquatic activity. Perceived control of situations and self-confidence affected how these influences impacted individuals' involvement. Participants acknowledged some young adults likely overestimate their aquatic abilities. This awareness was not discussed in relation to their own capabilities. Conclusion:Drowning prevention efforts should inform young adults of the dangers of combining alcohol and aquatic activities, and make risks appear more immediate and applicable. Consideration should be given to measuring both perceived and actual aquatic abilities within various aquatic environments, to determine whether self-reported perceived competence is an accurate proxy measure for actual aquatic ability. The influence of alcohol should also be highlighted. Steps are required for a positive shift in Australian norms of alcohol use in aquatic settings and the social and cultural attitudes towards this. So what? This study provides new insight into young adults' perceptions and involvement in alcohol-influenced aquatic activity. It enhances the evidence base for drowning prevention and health promotion practitioners and should inform more focused campaigns to prevent alcohol-related drownings among young Australian adults.

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Can You Swim? Self-Report and Actual Swimming Competence Among Young Adults in Ballarat, Australia

Cited by 22 publications

References 29 publications

Preventing adolescent drowning: Understanding water safety knowledge, attitudes and swimming ability. The effect of a short water safety intervention

Preventing adolescent drowning: Understanding water safety knowledge, attitudes and swimming ability. The effect of a short water safety intervention

Toward Defining Water Competency: An American Red Cross Definition

“They don't think it will ever happen to them”: Exploring factors affecting participation in alcohol‐influenced aquatic activity among young Australian adults

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