Aquatic Safety Education for Elementary Students: A Systematic Review to Inform the Palekana Aquatics Academy

• In Event: AERA Research in Progress Roundtable Session Four
  In Invited Roundtable: Research-in-Progress RT046 (Saturday)

Abstract

Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children in Hawai‘i. Many lack swimming and water safety skills, particularly Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth. The Palekana Aquatics Academy, a pilot within Hawai‘i’s Department of Education, aims to address these inequities through inclusive, school-based aquatic safety education. This systematic review analyzed 35 studies on aquatic safety programs for children ages 5–11 to identify effective teaching methods, learning environments, and inclusion strategies. Results showed that active, real-water learning and culturally responsive approaches significantly improved water competency, confidence, and hazard recognition. Findings may guide the development of Palekana’s curriculum and evaluation framework to support equitable, evidence-based drowning prevention across Hawai‘i’s public schools.

Author

• Karl-Richard Hennebach, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa