Citation

Irwin CC, Irwin RL, Ryan TD, Drayer J. Int. J. Aquatic Res. Educ. 2009; 3(1): 10-23.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Bowling Green State University)

DOI

10.25035/ijare.03.01.03

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose for this research was to determine if reported swimming participation myths (barriers) for minority children were authentic. Previous research on minority children's swimming patterns has been limited, while drowning rates for these groups are high. Nation-wide survey research supported by USA Swimming was conducted using six cities across the U.S. Trained staff members from YMCA non-swimming programs were used to solicit participants and to supervise survey administration. A large, purposeful sample (n = 1,680) was gathered that targeted poor, minority children. Parents of children aged 4-11 years and adolescents (12-17 years) completed surveys. Descriptive statistics were observed on selected myth statements by demo- graphic variables. Several barriers were revealed to be myths and not real barriers. Potential barriers revealed, which include parental involvement factors, were noteworthy for marginalized children.

Language: en