Ocean Literacy: Involvement in Watersports

'Access and experience' is a key element for ocean literacy in terms of how (or how not) the public uses the coast and the ocean, and their experiences whilst they were there (Marine Conservation Society, n.d.). Who is involved in watersports at the coast, and what kind of watersports, can influence knowledge and understanding of the ocean - therefore impacting on ocean literacy.

There are varying levels of involvement in watersports, depending on the type of activity. Sea swimming is one of the most popular activities with 13% of people reporting in a 2022 Scottish Government survey to have gone sea swimming in the previous 12 months. Alongside this, 4% reported stand-up paddle boarding, 3% sailing, 3% rowing/kayaking/canoeing, and 1% power boating, windsurfing/ kite surfing, or snorkelling.

Age can be a factor determining involvement in watersports, with 16-24 year olds more likely to go swimming than those aged 65 (20% of 16-24s vs 4% of 65+). 5% of 16-24 year olds participated in kayaking, rowing, canoeing, diving and snorkelling whilst 0% of those aged 65 and above participated (Scottish Government, 2019).

There are inequalities in who can access watersports and how they access watersports. For example those with a disability or health condition or those living in more deprived areas are less likely to access the coast in general (Scottish Government, 2023) which means it is likely the same case for accessing coastal watersports. Individual ocean literacy can be informed by access and experience at the coast - so it could be important to improve coastal access and involvement in coastal watersports in order to connect people with the coast and improve ocean literacy.