SWIMMING CAPABILITIES AND SWIMMING EXPOSURE OF NEW-JERSEY CHILDREN

Childhood drowning rates vary substantially among demographic groups w ith higher rates among toddlers than children aged 5-14, higher rates among nonwhites than whites, and higher rates among males than females . To assess swimming frequency, ability, and site as possible causes o f these differences, questions were added about these items to a surve y administered on-site to families using New Jersey's public beaches. Responses describing 6,366 children indicated that swimming competence increased markedly at about age 5, was greater among whites than nonw hites, and was similar for males and females. Swimming frequency was g reatest among children aged 5-9 and did not differ substantially by ra ce or sex. Few families swam at unguarded sites. Subject to limitation s related to the sampling procedure, we conclude that differences in s wimming exposure are not likely to explain age, race, and sex differen ces in childhood-drowning rates. Differences in swimming competence ma y explain age and race (but not sex) differences in childhood drowning rates, but additional work is needed to determine whether they actual ly do so.