The final poster assignment within the OTD 642 course.

A recent study conducted by the student-researcher titled, Assessment of Swimming Accessibility for All Members of the Springfield, Massachusetts Community, found variations in what staff at aquatic facilities found to be a priority to first teach new swimmers when conducting water safety education. Responses varied between teaching floating, controlled breathing, and the establishment of comfort. The study also found that these same staff members perceived barriers to swimming accessibility for community members experiencing lower income as, unclear administration on the part of the facility, fees, limited availability due to location and staff business, and burnout for both participants and staff. The study also assessed that 100% of the facilities interviewed offered some sort of water-related program, with 75% answering no to whether they felt all individuals in Springfield, Massachusetts experiencing lower income have access to swimming facilities and programs, with 25% answering as “I don’t know.” Three out of four facilities interviewed said they provided fee waivers as needed “sometimes,” with just one facility saying “yes.” Lastly, 75% of interviewees stated their facilities had undergone some form of water-related injuries and/or fatalities. The results of this study highlight that the gap in water related injury and drowning prevention lies not because of a lack in existing programs, but in a lack of accommodating the needs of the community to increase access to them.