A Unique Approach to Water Safety

by Jon Scaccia August 5, 2024

While we were on vacation, a 13-year-old was swept out by a riptide and died. According to the CDC, young people aged 15 to 19 years have the second-highest fatal drowning rate, trailing only toddlers. The risks are even more pronounced among Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. To combat this, an innovative program called Water Safe Worcester (WSW) has emerged, driven by passionate medical students from the University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan Medical School (UMass Chan).

Drowning: A Silent Epidemic

Drowning is a global crisis, ranking as the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths. Natural water bodies, increasingly popular for recreation, have seen a worrying rise in drowning incidents. In the US, the pandemic exacerbated this issue, with drowning rates in such environments jumping by 26%.

For adolescents, especially from BIPOC and low-income communities, the danger is acute. Systemic racism and economic barriers have historically limited access to swimming lessons, perpetuating a vicious cycle of fear and unpreparedness. Worcester, with its diverse population and several natural water bodies, reflects these national trends. Over 40% of Worcester’s residents identify as BIPOC, and 20% live below the poverty line, underscoring the city’s urgent need for targeted water safety education.

The Birth of Water Safe Worcester

Recognizing this dire situation, UMass Chan medical students, in collaboration with community partners, launched Water Safe Worcester. This city-wide injury prevention program offers free swim lessons tailored to adolescents, aiming to impart essential water safety skills, build swimming proficiency, and reduce the fear of water.

Held at the Central Community Branch YMCA, WSW lessons are structured to be engaging and age-appropriate. Over 70 students participated in the 2023 sessions, supported by 12 dedicated volunteers, including medical students, graduate students, and staff.

Why Adolescents?

Swimming programs often cater to younger children, leaving adolescents underserved. This age group has unique learning needs. They are stronger and more coordinated than younger children, allowing for quicker mastery of skills. However, they are also more likely to have developed a fear of water and may face social embarrassment if placed in beginner classes with much younger children.

WSW’s approach is holistic, emphasizing not only skill-building but also emergency response and overcoming fear. Lessons are divided into manageable segments, focusing on different aspects of swimming and water safety. This method ensures that students remain engaged and receive comprehensive training.

Community and Collaboration

WSW thrives on strong community partnerships. The YMCA provided the pool and lifeguards, while the Manny 267 Foundation, established in memory of a local police officer who died attempting to rescue a drowning teenager, helped raise awareness and support for the program. These collaborations are crucial for reaching at-risk adolescents and providing them with the necessary resources and encouragement.

Impact and Outcomes

The impact of WSW has been profound. Students reported increased confidence and improved swimming skills. Informal surveys indicated that many initially overestimated their swimming abilities, a dangerous misconception that WSW lessons helped correct. Conversely, students with a strong fear of water showed marked improvement in their comfort levels by the end of the program.

Adolescents who attended the lessons developed a better understanding of water safety, including how to respond in emergencies. The hands-on experience also benefited the medical students, giving them valuable insights into public health and community engagement.

Overcoming Barriers

Despite its successes, WSW faced challenges, particularly in retaining participants and collecting reliable survey data. To maximize engagement, the program offered incentives like pizza and custom merchandise. Future iterations may need to refine these strategies to enhance participation and feedback.

Join the Conversation

Water Safe Worcester is more than a swimming program—it’s a lifeline for Worcester’s at-risk adolescents. Its success underscores the importance of community-based initiatives in addressing public health disparities.

What are your thoughts on community-led programs like WSW? Have you or someone you know benefited from similar initiatives? Share your experiences in the comments below or join the conversation on social media.

Conclusion

Water Safe Worcester demonstrates that targeted, community-driven interventions can save lives and promote equity. By addressing the unique needs of adolescents and leveraging local partnerships, WSW has laid a strong foundation for future public health efforts. This program not only equips young people with life-saving skills but also fosters a sense of community and resilience.

As WSW evolves, its model can serve as a blueprint for other cities facing similar challenges. The journey to water safety is far from over, but with programs like WSW, we are making significant strides toward a safer, more equitable future for all.

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