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Publication
International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education
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Abstract
Culturally and linguistically diverse populations are generally overrepresented in the drowning statistics of high income countries. This paper reports on Asian immi-grants’ aquatic recreation and water safety in the aquatically-oriented Auckland region. A survey of new settlers (n = 570) was conducted at seven cultural festivi-ties using a self-complete questionnaire that sought information on immigrants’ current and previous aquatic recreation and their understanding of water safety. Almost half (43%) had never participated in aquatic recreation prior to coming to New Zealand, and most (72%) now did more aquatic recreation. Most participants (73%) estimated that they could swim less than 50m, one half (47%) had never been taught to swim and had never received water safety education (63%) or CPR training (65%). Given the continuing influx of new settlers in New Zealand, water safety programs that are sensitive to the needs of diverse peoples should be persisted with and focus on identified high-risk activities.
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