Understanding Water: Values, Viewpoints, and Behaviors That Influence Swimming Participation in Watsonville, CA

Abstract

Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4 in the United States (CDC, 2022). Understanding the intricate and diverse cultural characteristics that influence swimming in Hispanic/Latino communities like Watsonville, CA, is paramount for developing effective strategies to increase safety, access, and participation. Eighty percent of the Watsonville population cannot swim (City of Watsonville, 2022), and according to the CDC (2024), 72% of the Hispanic population in the U.S. have not had a swim lesson. Two key factors contributing to higher drowning rates are differences in swimming ability and pool access (Myers et al., 2017). The purpose of this study is to find solutions to increase swimming participation and ability among Hispanic/Latino families in Watsonville, CA. This mixed methods study consisted of 63 qualified survey respondents, 15 interviewees, and a four-person focus group made of Hispanic/Latino parents or care providers with a child aged 3–12. In addition, a community leader focus group made of four participants focused on generating solutions to increase participation. Swimming is desired in Watsonville; 86% of survey participants wanted their children to swim more, and lower-income families are more likely to agree (p = .0263) that their children would like to swim more than they do now. However, there are significant barriers to swimming. The top three survey ranked barriers to swimming participation are financial constraints, time limitations, and competing activities. These barriers have contributed to low swimming ability; 81% of respondents cannot swim more than one lap (25 yards), 77% of participant children cannot swim more than one lap and 84% of parents swim one time or less per month, less during the winter. Increasing the frequency of swimming at an early age will result in impactful changes for the community. Louis noted, “You learn how at a young age.” Joining a swim team would increase swimming frequency. Survey results showed a statistically significant relationship between a child’s swimming ability and the response to “My child would be a successful swimming athlete if they were on a team” (p = .0463). It is important to ensure that all communities can access this healthy activity. A positive swimming cycle that educates parents, increases swimmer abilities, and creates coaches to pass on the skills to the next generation will help foster swimming in the community.