Citation

Johnson MB, Boriack ED, McConnell CM, Lawson KA. J. Phys. Act. Res. 2021; 6(2): 107-111.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Science and Education Publishing)

DOI

10.12691/jpar-6-2-7

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Swimming is a common pastime and important developmental activity for toddlers. The aim of this research was to explore changes in swim routines for toddlers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey asked 448 caregivers of toddlers about changes they made to their swimming routine due to the pandemic. Many participants reported swimming less often and delaying swimming lessons for their toddlers. Compared with typical routines, during the pandemic, there were significant differences in how often caregivers swam with their toddler and in the percentage of caregivers who reported swimming with their toddler in open water, at public pools, and at friends' or relatives' pools, but not in home pools.

RESULTS highlight a reduction in access to water, swimming opportunities, and swimming lessons for toddlers as a result of COVID-19. Future research should identify long-term consequences the changes may have on water familiarity and competency, physical activity, and drowning risk.

Language: en