Is it important to teach lithuanian children swimming? Analysis of drowning and schoolchildren’s knowledge of safe conduct at the water

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Paskendimas; Plaukimo įgūdžiai; Sauga vandenyje; Saugumas vandenyje; Savęs vertinimas; Skendimas; Įsivertinimas; Drowning; Self-assessment; Swimming skills; Water safety.

ENBackground. Research aim was to investigate statistical data of children and youth’s (19 years old and under) deaths from drowning in the period from 2000 to 2012, as well as to establish the I–IVth form students’ selfassessment of swimming skills and knowledge of safe swimming and safe conduct at the water. Methods. Statistical data analysis and questionnaire survey methods were used in the research. The content of the questionnaire consisted of questions about the subjective self-assessment of personal swimming skills and knowledge of safe swimming and safe conduct at the water. Research sample included I–IVth form students, n=949 (459 girls and 490 boys). The research results were analysed using statistical methods and SPSS 15.0 for Windows. Results. Statistical data analysis showed the facts that during the period of 2000 to 2012, deaths of 487 children and youths (19 years old and under) were caused by accidental drowning, which on average accounts for 37.5 deaths yearly; 80.3% of all drowned persons were males. The data of the questionnaire survey showed that 67.2% of students reported that they could swim. Boys evaluated their swimming skills better than girls (x2=12.486; p<.05), although in most cases they were able to swim only short distances. The knowledge of children of the same age about safe conduct at the water was not statistically different in the aspect of gender (p<.05) and it was correct enough. However, even 22.7% of students (23.1% of the girls and 22.2% of the boys) would dare to swim alone if they had an inflatable wheel, mattress or other tool (p>.05). Conclusions. Among the research participants, 30.4% of the girls and 20.4% of the boys could not swim (χ2=12.486; p<.05). Most of the students were aware of the rules of safe conduct at the water, but some of them had rather poor knowledge about this. I.In case of emergency in the water students would respond differently to the situation: 84.2% of the students themselves would not jump to rescue drowning people, but they would turn to adults for help or cast life-saving tools. However, part of the boys (16.6%) were more likely than girls (6.9%) to jump to rescue friends (p<.05) at the risk of their own life. Children’s responses show that even in primary grades it is important to familiarise children with ways and means to rescue drowning people. [From the publication]