Promoting Equity, Social Justice, and Saving Lives with Life Jacket and Clothing Policies.

Angela Beale-Tawfeeq,Roy Fielding,Elizabeth Bennett,Linda Quan

doi:10.3390/ijerph17186440

Abstract

Worldwide, diverse racial/ethnic groups have disproportionately higher drowning rates. Learning to swim and wearing life jackets decrease drowning risk. We evaluated aquatic facilities’ policies regarding use of life jackets, clothing, and diapers through a lens of social justice, equity, and inclusion to ensure they met the needs of the diverse high-risk groups they serve and changing aquatic activities and programs. Public recreational pools, beach and waterpark facilities in the US and international organizations were surveyed regarding their policies on life jacket use, clothing, and diapers between 2015 and 2016. A total of 562 facilities responded, mostly pools. Almost all facilities allowed wearing life jackets in the shallow end but less so in the deep end, and wearing of T-shirts, shorts, and clothes for modesty reasons. Policies varied most on wearing non-swim clothes. Almost universal requirement of diapers applied to infants only. Respondents’ reported themes included cost, access, safety, hygiene and equipment maintenance. Reviewed policies generally reflected facilities’ responsiveness to diverse populations’ specific needs. However, policy variations around wearing clothing and swim diapers could be costly, confusing, and impede participation in aquatic activities by vulnerable populations, specifically young children and racial and ethnic minorities. Standardization of these policies could assist aquatic facilities and their users. A best-practices-based policy is outlined.

Highlights

Drowning is a leading cause of death worldwide affecting all ages, races and ethnicities, genders, economies, and regions, but it disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, young children and racial and ethnic minorities [1]
Swim communities have responded with drowning prevention programs geared towards culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse communities (CLED)
Our goal was that the findings from this study might further the development of standardized and more effective policies that foster the development of more culturally relevant water safety campaigns, policy, and legislation that will support wide public involvement in aquatic venues and facilities

Summary

Introduction

Drowning is a leading cause of death worldwide affecting all ages, races and ethnicities, genders, economies, and regions, but it disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, young children and racial and ethnic minorities [1]. Evidence-based interventions that could increase water safety among high-risk populations have been identified; they include learning to swim and wearing a properly fitted life jacket [2]. Swim communities have responded with drowning prevention programs geared towards culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse communities (CLED) Many barriers prevent the acquisition of water competency skills and experience. These barriers involve a complex web of cultural, socioeconomic, and historical factors.

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Methods

Discussion

Conclusion