Investigating how public policies can reduce drowning deaths among children from different racial backgrounds
Official title: The Effectiveness of Public Policy Interventions in Reducing Racial Disparities in Drowning: Lifeguard Certification, Pool Regulations, and Swimming Instruction Programs
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10647460 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at different ways to keep kids and young adults safe from drowning, especially focusing on how these efforts affect different racial groups, and it aims to find out which programs, like swim lessons and pool safety rules, work best to prevent drowning in communities across the U.S.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $417,496 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD111927-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10647460 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and young adults, especially from racial and ethnic minority groups who are at higher risk of drowning.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not children or young adults, or those who do not belong to racial or ethnic groups disproportionately affected by drowning may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the effectiveness of various public policy interventions aimed at reducing drowning rates among children and young adults, particularly focusing on racial disparities. It evaluates initiatives such as learn-to-swim programs, swimming pool regulations, and lifeguard certification requirements implemented across the United States over the past two decades. By analyzing data on drowning incidents and the impact of these policies, the research aims to identify which strategies are most effective in preventing drowning deaths in different communities. The findings could inform future policy decisions and enhance community safety measures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective public policies that significantly reduce drowning rates among children, particularly in underserved racial communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeted public policy interventions can effectively reduce injury rates in various contexts, suggesting potential success for this approach in addressing drowning disparities.
Where this research is happening
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University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Myers, Samuel L — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Myers, Samuel L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.