Inequities of swimming ability: a population study of young people (aged 12-19) in British Columbia, Canada.

Background: Fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents and drowning deaths in British Columbia (BC), Canada have risen in recent years. A lack of swimming proficiency can be a contributing factor. The aims of this study were to establish the prevalence of swimming ability among adolescents in BC and to assess which populations might be at greater risk of being unable to swim. It was hypothesised that marginalised populations would be the least likely to be able to swim.

Methods: Analyses were conducted using data from 36 018 adolescents aged 12-19 who completed the cluster-stratified randomised population-level 2023 BC Adolescent Health Survey. Data were analysed using SPSS Complex Samples and included descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses and logistic regressions to assess factors that might predict a lack of swimming ability.

Results: Youth living in poverty; Indigenous and other racialised youth; those born outside Canada, including refugees and international students; urban-based youth; youth with specific types of child welfare experience; girls; and non-binary youth were among those who were the least likely to be able to swim. Also, youth who disliked exercise and experienced racial discrimination were at increased risk of reporting that they were unable to swim.

Discussion: Swimming should be made accessible through a public health approach and embedded in every school's curriculum. Results also suggest that swimming lessons need to be inclusive of all communities; low/no barrier; and enjoyable.

Conclusion: Identifying populations at risk of being unable to swim can support interventions to prevent further increases in drownings.