Utilizing Video and Sensor Technology for Analyzing Non-Swimmer Children in Swimming Education Programs through Observational Methods

Accidental drowning stands as the third leading cause of global mortality, according to the World Health Organization. While suggestions like increased supervision and physical barriers aim to reduce drowning risk, their effectiveness is hindered by the widespread accessibility of water bodies. In contrast, swimming education has demonstrated a remarkable potential to decrease the risk of drowning by up to 90%. However, research on technology-supported swimming education is limited, mainly focusing on drowning detection and support for competitive swimmers. This paper addresses this gap by presenting outcomes from a user study, particularly focusing on a vulnerable demographic: children without basic swimming skills in survival-oriented beginner courses. Data from 45 participants aged 4 to 13 were collected through wearable sensors and cameras. The study's results offer valuable insights into integrating technology into swimming education for non-swimming children, contributing to the advancement of drowning prevention strategies.