RESEARCH:

Parental Perceptions of Water Competence and Drowning Risk for Themselves and Their Children in an Open Water Environment

UNIVERSITY OR ORGANISATION: WaterSafe Auckland, The University of Auckland

Little is known about people’s perceptions of how much swimming competency is required to provide protection from drowning, especially in open water environments where most drowning incidents occur. This study reports on parental perceptions of swimming competency of themselves and their children and parents’ beliefs on their safety when swimming in open water. Most parents We discuss the implications of holding an overly-optimistic belief in the protective value of minimal levels of swimming competency for open water safety. Further exploration is recommended regarding the differences between real and perceived swimming competency especially among at-risk groups such as male children and adults.

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