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Parental Choices Of Flotation Devices For Children And Teen Swimmers And Waders: A Survey At Beaches In Washington State, Natalie Spitzer, Thomas W. Mangione, Wendy Chow, Linda Quan, Elizabeth Bennett

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning at open-water areas is the second leading cause of unintentional death among Washington State children. Providing written and visual safety instructions and loaned life jackets at swim sites (“loaner boards”) may reduce the risk of drowning. This study sought to understand parental perceptions regarding loaner boards and behaviors related to bringing flotation devices for children to use while swimming. Of the 102 surveys administered to parents on the beach at 10 different open-water sites, 29 were collected from sites with loaner boards. Parents provided information about ages of family members present, flotation devices brought and perceptions surrounding loaner boards. …