Youth knowledge, attitudes, behaviour and perception of drowning risk in the surf environment

Abstract

Background Youth risk taking behaviour is well documented, however little is known about their water safety knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and risk perception of drowning, especially in the surf beach context. Youth experience one of the highest rates of drowning globally. New Zealand’s youth drowning rate is higher than that of the United States and Australia. Aims The aim of this study was threefold: 1) To ascertain youth surf safety knowledge, specifically rip current awareness; 2) To measure self-reported competencies and confidence when surf swimming and; 3) To examine youth behaviour and risk perception of drowning when at a surf beach. Methods A literature review was undertaken to investigate drowning prevention strategies targeting youth. For the main research component, a quantitative cross-sectional survey based on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) was conducted with Year 12 and 13 (16 – 18 years) students from five West Auckland high schools (n = 599). Results The literature review revealed a lack in drowning prevention research targeting youth, with studies suggesting that PMT may be a useful framework for prevention strategies targeting youth. Respondents were predominately aged 16 years and 51% were female. Nearly half (48%) were of NZ European ethnicity, 20% were of Pacific Island ethnicity. Low levels of swimming ability were reported; over half were unable to swim over 100 m in a swimming pool. Males, NZ European and Maori students were most likely to exhibit risky behaviour such as swimming alone, outside of the patrol flags or at a beach without lifeguards. Non-NZ European students consistently reported lower surf safety knowledge. Females and Asian students reported higher perceived vulnerability and severity of drowning compared to males and non-Asian students. Conclusion Youth surf safety knowledge appears to be relatively poor despite high frequency of swimming at beaches. Results suggest that youth consider drowning risk at a surf beach as low, despite poor swimming ability and high confidence in the surf. Pronounced differences in ability, knowledge and risk perception were reported between ethnic groups. PMT has offered an increased understanding of youth knowledge, behaviour and risk perception of surf beach drowning. A public rip current awareness campaign and practical strategies set in realistic environments are among recommendations suggested.