Socio-Economic Factors that Effect Competitive Swimming

1. Socio-Economic Factors that Effect Competitive Swimming BACKGROUND If one were to walk onto a competitive swimming pool deck they would not find a group of very diverse people. Most swim teams are comprised of middle to high social class families that are predominantly Caucasian. This could be largely due to availability of resources necessary to learn to swim and participate in competitive swimming. Oftentimes it costs a large amount of money to be a member of a facility that provides a pool. Some neighborhoods provide pools, but are often only outdoor pools. There are also physical limitations that may be an issue. Given that a person can even get the resources necessary to learn to swim, getting involved in competitive swimming can be even harder. Just as many types of team sports equipment is needed to be a swimmer. Appropriate swimsuits, goggles, kickboards, pool buoys, and swim caps are all needed in competitive swimming. To be on most teams, one must pay dues and purchase items affiliated with that team. If outside practice is needed apart from the team then costs to use swimming facilities can add up. What makes the availability of competitive swimming so important? • Competitive swimming provides: • Organized and unorganized exercise - Ability to become an active team member • Better discipline - A full body workout (resistance and cardio) • A stress outlet - A way to build lung capacity • Stamina for other sports and workouts - Better motor skills and coordination • Low impact exercise - Better sportsmanship • Better social skills - A lifetime sport • Competitive swimming is one of the most important sports for those with disabilities. Because of its low-impact nature many people who have physical disabilities are much more mobile in the water than they are on land. This can often provide them with a feeling they have never had in their entire lives. Freedom of mobility is too often taken for granted amongst those who possess it. A lifetime love of swimming is developed for people who have freedom that comes only in the pool. The pool provides a great place for sport for people who have mental disabilities as well. Because there is little distraction when swimming competitively it acts as a great way to disconnect and ‘just do it”. This can be a great controlled activity for those who have autism, downs syndrome, and more. What specifically needs to change? • Accessibility/Affordability to facilities • Accessibility/Affordability to lessons and instruction • Accessibility/Affordability to organized teams • Affordability of equipment • Affordability of organized team membership • Teaching methods in swim lessons and coaching Purpose ***Why is there so little diversity found in competitive swimming? This question must be explored to figure out how diversity can be achieved in the competitive swimming world. ***What can be done to make competitive swimming a welcoming sport for all cultures, races, and religions? It is important for recreation professionals to explore the challenges faced through diversity with every sport, but it is imperative that sports be made available to all. Without people to participate sport cannot exist. How can these changes take place? • Provide affordable lessons at community pools • Set up volunteer programs for students, retirees, and other interested persons where they can help teach/coach swim lessons and teams • Create community leagues through city-wide programs that are more affordable than USA leagues • Reach out and inform interested swimmers in where and how to buy more affordable equipment • Make an overhaul of how swimming skills are taught taking into consideration body structure and composition Breaking Down the Facts • Blacks have increased rates of drowning and are underrepresented in competitive swimming and in occupations requiring swimming or water safety skill. (Mael) • Due to a lack of subcutaneous fat Blacks are less buoyant that white, and have more dense bones. (Mael) • Hispanics and Latinos are considered to be almost as equally “at risk” in the water as Blacks with Whites being over 30% lower. (Irwin) • Poor minority children suffer from major disadvantages concerning swimming ability. (Irwin.) • Both blacks and whites that come from families in the middle class to high class homes are more likely to swim earlier in age and are more likely to be more capable swimmers. (Mael) References Irwin, C., Irwin, R., Ryan, T., & Drayer, J. (2009). Urban minority youth swimming (in)ability in the united states and associated demographic characteristics: Toward a drowning prevention plan. Injury Prevention, 15(4), 234-239. Retrieved from http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/15/4/234.short Mael, F. A. (1995). Staying afloat: Within-group swimming proficiency for whites and blacks. Journal of Applied Psychology, 80(4), 479-490. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.prox.lib.ncsu.edu/ehost/detail?sid=d12f62bd-72fc-4c00-9439-9998e2e44f33%40sessionmgr13&vid=4&hid=15&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=bth&AN=12361600