The future of aquatic education depends not only on experience and innovation, but also on scientific evidence.
That is why research will play a central role at the Swim Safe Europe Conference 2026, where academics, researchers and practitioners will come together to present the latest developments in Learn to Swim, aquatic literacy and drowning prevention.
Through the conference’s Call for Papers and Best Poster Award, European Aquatics is creating a platform where scientific research can be shared with the people responsible for delivering aquatic education every day.
The Scientific Committee—comprising António Silva, Boro Štrumbelj, Aldo Costa, Nuno Garrido, Daniel Marinho, Tiago Barbosa and Silvia Costa—will oversee the scientific programme, ensuring that the conference showcases research with practical relevance for coaches, teachers, National Federations and aquatic organisations.
Topics presented during the conference will range from innovative teaching methodologies and coach education to public health, drowning prevention and aquatic literacy, reflecting the broad scope of challenges facing the aquatic community today.
Importantly, the conference aims to move beyond simply presenting research findings. It provides an opportunity for dialogue between scientists and practitioners, helping ensure that new knowledge is translated into practical solutions that can be implemented in pools, schools and communities across Europe.
This exchange of ideas is a cornerstone of the Swim Safe Europe initiative. By connecting research with real-world practice, European Aquatics hopes to strengthen evidence-based decision-making and support Member Federations in developing programmes that are both effective and sustainable.
The Best Poster Award will further recognise outstanding contributions from researchers, encouraging innovation and highlighting projects with the potential to influence the future of aquatic education.
As aquatic safety continues to evolve, the conference reinforces an important message: scientific knowledge is most valuable when it reaches the people who can transform it into safer experiences, stronger programmes and better outcomes for communities throughout Europe.
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
