Content validity of a new aquatic skill assessment tool: RAEE (refuse, assist, effective, efficient)

The assessment of ‘swimming’ in the context of preventing drowning is complex. Programs may/may not emphasize water safety, survival or aquatic competency. Therefore, establishing content validity of any assessment tool is an essential first step for a more consistent approach for assessments in learn-to-swim. The content validity of the RAEE (Refuse, Assist, Effective, Efficient) assessment tool was investigated using AUSTSWIM experts (n = 23) as participants, the Australian Water Safety Council's benchmark program and a cross-sectional questionnaire on demographics and evaluation of relevance and usefulness of the RAEE assessment tool in assessing these aquatic skills. Opinions from industry standard experts supported the content validity of the RAEE assessment tool for use in assessing the benchmark level for swimming and water safety, finding it relevant (77%±8) and useful (73%±5). A range of issues requiring ongoing research were highlighted, including communication (terminology surrounding swimming and water safety), assessment (pedagogical approach, program design/use, assessment methods/tools), and raters knowledge and understanding of water safety skills. There is an apparent disconnect between awareness of water safety (expert awareness of the Australian Water Safety Council 96%) and how that is translated into practical knowledge and understanding, regardless of the program being taught. Increasing the usage and knowledge of valid and reliable assessment tools can potentially help establish the link between drowning prevention and the aquatic skills, knowledge and understanding are required in an aquatic environment.