Is Swimming and Water Safety Education Associated with Greater Water Safety Knowledge and Positive Attitudes in Young Adults?

Swimming and water safety education can reduce drowning risk, yet research among the Turkish population is limited. This study examined differences in water safety attitude and knowledge scores by self-reported participation in swimming and lifeguard education, including any differences seen by participant gender. A cross-sectional survey collected data on demographics, swimming experience, perceived ability, aquatic location use, swimming and lifeguard education participation, water safety knowledge and self-reported attitudes. Among 255 participants (51.4% female; mean age 22), 83.9% reported being able to swim. Females were significantly less likely than males to self-report swimming ability (χ2 = 5.99; p = 0.018) or prior lessons with a qualified teacher (χ2 = 4.10; p = 0.043). Swimming or lifeguard education did not significantly affect attitude scores overall or by gender. However, both forms of education were significantly associated with knowledge scores overall and by gender, with males showing significant differences in knowledge levels after swimming (χ2 = 16.46; p < 0.001) and lifeguard education (χ2 = 11.93; p = 0.003). Findings indicate that swimming and lifeguard education were significantly associated with greater water safety knowledge but not with positive attitudes. Gender disparities persist, with females reporting lower self-reported swimming ability and males showing higher water safety knowledge after education. Expanding swimming and lifeguard education in Türkiye could enhance water safety knowledge.