Reasons Parents Sign Up Their Children for Swimming Lessons in Ghana

Abstract

Background: Swimming is recognized as a vital life skill with significant physical, emotional and developmental benefits for children. However, parental motivations for enrolling children in swimming lessons, particularly in Ghana, remain underex plored. This study investigates the primary motivations of Ghanaian parents and guardians for enrolling their children in swim ming lessons, focusing on health, skill development, social influences and safety awareness. Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed method design was employed by combining quantitative and qualitative data. The study unfolded in two distinct phases: First, 300 parents completed questionnaires about swimming enrollment motivations. Then, 20 interviews explained the quantitative findings, revealing both trends and underlying reasons. Participants included professionals and relatives of children aged 4–10 years. Results: Quantitative data revealed that health- related motivations dominated, with 86.2% of parents citing health benefits, 89.6% disease prevention and 94.8% confidence- building as key reasons. Medical recommendations strongly influenced deci sions (73.6%). However, only 9.1% recognized skill acquisition as a motivation, and 67.7% were uncertain. Qualitative findings highlighted gaps in water safety knowledge, with parents relying on pool guards for safety guidance. Social influence had mixed effects (43.8% agreement and 48.1% uncertainty). Interviews underscored swimming's role in motor development, social–emo tional growth and weight management. Conclusion: Although Ghanaian parents prioritize health and medical advice when enrolling children in swimming, awareness of skill development and drowning prevention remains limited. The study underscores the need for targeted educational cam paigns to highlight swimming's holistic benefits and safety measures. Collaborative efforts between swimming institutions and health professionals could enhance parental understanding and participation.