The Mythology of Swimming: Are Myths Impacting Minority Youth Participation?

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, 2009, 3, 10-23

Fox School of Business Research Paper

14 Pages Posted: 24 Jun 2014

See all articles by Carol Irwin

Carol Irwin

University of Memphis

Richard Irwin

University of Memphis

Timothy Ryan

University of Memphis

Joris Drayer

Temple University - Tourism & Sport

Date Written: 2009

Abstract

The purpose for this research was to determine if reported swimming participation myths (barriers) for minority children were authentic. Previous research on minority children’s swimming patterns has been limited, while drowning rates for these groups are high. Nation-wide survey research supported by USA Swimming was conducted using six cities across the U.S. Trained staff members from YMCA non-swimming programs were used to solicit participants and to supervise survey administration. A large, purposeful sample (n = 1,680) was gathered that targeted poor, minority children. Parents of children aged 4-11 years and adolescents (12-17 years) completed surveys. Descriptive statistics were observed on selected myth statements by demographic variables. Several barriers were revealed to be myths and not real barriers. Potential barriers revealed, which include parental involvement factors, were noteworthy for marginalized children.

Suggested Citation

Irwin, Carol and Irwin, Richard and Ryan, Timothy and Drayer, Joris, The Mythology of Swimming: Are Myths Impacting Minority Youth Participation? (2009). International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, 2009, 3, 10-23, Fox School of Business Research Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2457154

Carol Irwin

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN 38152
Memphis, TN usa 38152-3370
United States

Richard Irwin

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN 38152
Memphis, TN usa 38152-3370
United States

Timothy Ryan

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN 38152
Memphis, TN usa 38152-3370
United States

Joris Drayer (Contact Author)

Temple University - Tourism & Sport ( email )

Philadelphia, PA 19122
United States

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