It is believed that one of the main reasons for the engagement in swimming practice is health-related. However, the literature is scarce on studies which compare the incidence of health with other reasons which may justify the engagement in swimming practice. Within this context, the present study had the aim to identify the main reasons which influence adolescents in initiating as well as continuing to practice swimming, placing the role of health in this context. The sample consisted of 98 non-athlete adolescents of both sexes, with age range from 13 and 18 years. A data collection instrument composed of objective questions of characterization of the interviewees was built; besides an opinion scale on the reasons which have influenced adolescents to keep on swimming. The study was developed in three teaching-learning swimming environments in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The Alpha coefficient has been used to verify the reliability of the data collection instrument, while descriptive statistical analysis (mean, standard deviation and percentage) and inferential (ANOVA - p < 0.05) resources have been used for the data analysis. The outcomes revealed that the health-related reasons correspond to 13% of the total. The opinion scale used to verify the reasons for remaining, revealed that the categories concerned with health which had the highest punctuation means in a scale up to two points, were: well-being (1.86); physical fitness (1.70) and disease prevention (1.62). ANOVA did not detect differences in the answers to the questionnaire given by the individuals of both sexes. As a conclusion, at least in the studied sample, health is not a crucial element in adolescents' choice in order to engage in a swimming program. However, health-related reasons have become more important and are one of the main reasons which justify the continuous engagement of individuals in swimming programs.
Health promotion; Engagement; Swimming; Adolescents
