Identifying issues that increase drowning risk
Identifying why drowning has increased and why some groups of people or communities are at higher risk requires better data. We need to understand how to make basic swimming and water safety skills training more accessible. Reported barriers include:
- Swimming lessons too expensive or not accessible.
- Fear of water.
- Pool setting or training not welcoming.
- Feeling uncomfortable wearing traditional swimwear.
Many more barriers exist, and some are complex and not well understood. We can develop and carry out inclusive programs that best meet each community’s needs when we understand a community’s unique social and cultural elements. Better data give us that insight.
Historical and social factors and the pandemic may be contributing to inequities
Many Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native people report lack of access to pools as a barrier to swimming lessons. Racial segregation led to few options and many of the available pools were often poorly maintained or too shallow for swimming. Many public pools closed after racial desegregation and communities built fewer new pools over the decades. The legacy of this and other discrimination may influence current generations’ attitudes about and participation in swimming lessons.
During the pandemic, many public pools closed, which limited the availability of swimming lessons. Once pools reopened, many facilities faced shortages of trained swimming instructors and lifeguards. This has further reduced access to swimming lessons.
Over half of U.S. adults have never taken a swimming lesson
Only 28% of Hispanic people and 37% of Black people have taken swimming lessons.
Over half of U.S. adults have never taken a swimming lesson
Only 28% of Hispanic people and 37% of Black people have taken swimming lessons.
Take steps to reduce drowning risk
Increasing access to basic swimming and water safety skills training can reduce the risk of drowning. Here are 5 tips to get started.
CDC supports young families by working with partners in several ways. These include collecting data to better understand drowning risk and barriers to swimming lessons and working with partners to improve access to effective basic swimming and water safety skills training, especially for people at increased risk of drowning.
Everyone can
- Learn how to swim. Take basic swimming and water safety skills training. This is hands-on training that takes place in the water.
- Make sure children get basic swimming and water safety skills training.
- Find swimming lessons in your area.
- Pay close attention to children—even those who have had swimming lessons—whenever they are in or near water, including pools, bathtubs, and even buckets of water.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before and during swimming and boating, and wear life jackets.
See Preventing Drowning for more drowning prevention tips.
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