What does ‘Keep Watch’ mean to migrant parents? Examining differences in supervision, cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and water familiarisation

Abstract

Drowning is a public health challenge. Children of migrants may be at increased risk as parents may be unaware of local water safety issues. This study explores differences between Australian-born and migrant parents in Western Australia for: (1) swimming ability; (2) supervision; (3) water familiarisation; and (4) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. A cross-sectional survey of parents and carers of children aged under 5years residing in WA (n = 1506) captured demographics, knowledge of appropriate supervision, water safety knowledge and skills. Logistic regression was conducted. Migrants were significantly less likely to identify adequate supervision (p = 0.004); have participated in child water familiarisation programmes (p = 0.000); or perceived themselves as able swimmers (p = 0.000). Significantly less migrants had also undertaken CPR training (p = 0.000). Findings add to the small but growing body of literature highlighting the importance of tailored drowning prevention strategies for migrants in countries such as Australia with a strong aquatic culture.