Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Norway will host a six-day training course uniting representatives from European National Federations to promote the Discover Water programme. The initiative aims to empower participants to establish or enhance child-centred, sustainable learn-to-swim and aquatic education programmes.
Attendees will explore the educational philosophy behind Discover Water and develop skills in curriculum design, physical literacy, water safety, safeguarding, lesson planning, practical delivery, assessment, and programme evaluation. These competencies prepare Country Leads to train local educators and lead national implementations.
Participants receive access to a Discover Water toolkit, including a Guidebook with programme principles and safety information, a Playbook for curriculum and lesson planning, and activity cards featuring play-based aquatic exercises.
The programme addresses a global challenge: according to the World Health Organisation, about 236,000 people die annually from drowning, with children especially vulnerable. Nearly 90% of drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for accessible water safety education.
Created by World Aquatics, Discover Water uses an innovative approach combining water safety, swimming competence, aquatic literacy, and holistic child development for children aged 6 to 12. It aims to build confidence and skills to stay safe around water and foster lifelong engagement in aquatic activities.
Vivienne Holt, a World Aquatics Discover Water trainer, said the programme offers a perspective beyond swimming skills by nurturing the whole child through physical literacy and encouraging ongoing participation in aquatic activities. It is designed to strengthen existing national learn-to-swim initiatives, not replace them.
Since its 2024 launch, Discover Water has expanded globally with a growing network of trained Country Leads dedicated to advancing water safety and aquatic education.