Racial Disparities in Swimming Ability and Drowning Risk Factors

BACKGROUND In the United States, drowning is a leading cause of death in children, with Black and Hispanic children drowning at significantly higher rates than white children. OBJECTIVE The objectives are to assess racial and ethnic differences in swimming ability, factors impacting swimming abilities, and water safety knowledge. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents with children aged birth to 19 years, in a Connecticut emergency department. Parental perception of swimming skills, water competency, factors associated with swimming abilities, and water safety knowledge were assessed. RESULTS A total of 1100 parents competed the survey, with median child age 6.0 years (IQR, 3.0–11.3 years), 41.3% non-Hispanic white (NHW), 34.8% Hispanic, and 15.3% non-Hispanic Black (NHB). Overall, 23.4% of all children were classified as swim competent. Significant racial and ethnic differences were found between parental reports of their children’s swim ability, factors impacting swimming skills, and water safety knowledge. More NHB (75.5%), and Hispanic (77.1%) children were reported as poor swimmers compared with NHW (53.7%) (P < .001). Swim lesson costs and lack of pool access were factors affecting NHB swimming abilities (P < .01). Significantly more parents of NHB (35.7%) and Hispanic (30%) children failed the safety quiz compared with NHW (13.4%) (P < .01). CONCLUSION The majority of children classified as not swim competent likely contributes to high pediatric drowning rates. Parents of NHB and Hispanic children who reported their children as poor swimmers had specific attributing factors and more failed the safety quiz compared with NHW. This suggests a need to address gaps in access and education.