Swimming ability of children: a survey of 4000 Queensland children in a high drowning region.
The swimming ability of 4128 Queensland school children was studied. The median age for swimming 10 metres is 6.5 years. Ninety-five percent of children are able to swim by 11 years of age. Cumulative frequency curves, by age, are presented for the ability to swim 10 and 50 metres: the latter distance is of relevance in boating accidents. Twenty percent fewer children from lower socioeconomic levels are able to swim. Water safety training is as important as swimming lessons.
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004332:Drowning / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005618:Fresh Water; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012923:Social Class; D013550:Swimming; D013551:Swimming Pools