Acquisition of competences to prevent the aquatic accident: A service learning project with university students and population with different abilities

Abstract

This research aims to demonstrate that the service-learning methodology is an effective tool for people with intellectual disabilities to acquire the necessary skills to solve the drowning of another person, assuming minimal risk. In addition, it is also intended to know the perception of university students about the effect that the participation in a service-learning project developed with people with intellectual disabilities, has caused on them. To achieve these objectives, this research has had the voluntary participation of students of the Physical Activity and Sport Science Degree to provide two sessions of aquatic rescue to a group of people with intellectual disability. The methodology used in this study has been quantitative and qualitative. The results show that the service-learning methodology is a useful tool to improve the safety of people with intellectual disabilities in the aquatic environment. Regarding the second of the objectives set for this study, it is concluded that university students have perceived that their academic competence, their respect and their understanding towards people with intellectual disabilities has increased. At the same time, the students have perceived changes in their personal identity and they have expressed the intention to be involved in projects with a positive social impact in the future.