Every swimmer’s journey begins with a first experience in the water. Whether it is a baby’s first splash in a pool or a young child’s first structured lesson, those early moments can shape a lifelong relationship with aquatic activity.
Recognising the importance of these first experiences, the Swim Safe Europe Conference 2026 will spotlight “The First Water Adventure”, an educational initiative developed through a partnership between the Flemish Swimming Federation (Zwemfed) and European Aquatics.
Presented by Morganne Lambrechts, the project focuses on supporting parents and caregivers as children begin their aquatic journey, reinforcing the idea that learning to swim starts long before formal swimming lessons.
The initiative is based on a simple but powerful principle: confidence comes before competence. Children who enjoy positive early experiences in the water are more likely to develop essential aquatic skills, participate in swimming programmes and build healthy relationships with aquatic environments throughout their lives.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on technical instruction, The First Water Adventure provides practical guidance to families on how to introduce children to water safely and positively. It recognises parents as a child’s first teachers and encourages playful, age-appropriate interactions that build trust and familiarity in aquatic settings.
This philosophy aligns closely with the wider objectives of Swim Safe Europe, which promotes aquatic literacy as a lifelong process rather than a single milestone achieved through Learn to Swim programmes alone.
The project also reflects a growing body of research highlighting the importance of early childhood experiences in developing physical confidence, reducing fear of water and encouraging long-term participation in aquatic sports.
By presenting the initiative at the conference, European Aquatics hopes to inspire Member Federations to consider how family engagement and early intervention can strengthen national Learn to Swim pathways.
As countries across Europe continue to invest in drowning prevention and aquatic education, initiatives such as The First Water Adventure demonstrate that creating safer communities often begins with the smallest participants—and with the adults who introduce them to the water.
Registrations are now open through the European Aquatics Academy platform, and interested participants are encouraged to secure their place early.
The registration link via the European Aquatics – Official Learning Centre is: https://www.eaacademy.eu/lms/courses/swim-safe-europe-conference-2026
Deadline for entries is July 30.
Full details are available on the event’s information bulletin here; https://europeanaquatics.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Info_Bulletin-SSE_Annual_Conference_2026F-1.pdf
