Paris 2026: Latest European Aquatics Championships set new benchmark for success on all fronts
Paris 2026 was a major success for European Aquatics and a new benchmark for the organisation of our flagship Championships, which involved 1,268 athletes – including, for the first time, para swimmers – and 615 volunteers. Diving, artistic swimming and swimming took place in the Paris 2024 legacy venue of the Olympic Aquatic Centre, while open water swimming and high diving took place at the River Seine. There was strong home support in both venues, which offered high-quality sports presentation resulting in significant spectator experiences. Organisers reported more than 100,000 tickets sold, with the Olympic Aquatic Centre being sold out for evening sessions and close to sold out for morning sessions. International media coverage was substantial and extended beyond specialist aquatics media. Reuters covered major sporting stories and world records; Associated Press and The Times focused on high diving in the Seine and the transformation of Paris’s river into a sporting environment, following through with swimming coverage. L’Équipe provided extensive coverage across the disciplines; and Eurovision Sport provided live and on-demand distribution, including a dedicated UK partnership with Aquatics GB. Home athletes rose to expectations, especially in the swimming, where France finished sixth in the medal table with six golds in a total of 14. The fact that two of those golds were secured by the French sporting icon Leon Marchand, four-times Paris 2024 gold medallist, guaranteed the Championships made headline news around the world. Marchand was able to compete despite having to reduce his schedule as he carried a lingering hip adductor injury into competition. But the 24-year-old Texas-bases swimmer went above and beyond by helping the hosts earn silver and bronze in the men’s 4x200m freestyle and men’s 4x100m medley respectively. Two 19-year-olds also accrued worldwide exposure with world record performances. Germany’s Johannes Liebmann, who won the men’s 800m freestyle in a European record of 7:37.59, completed the double by taking almost four seconds off the men’s 1500m freestyle world record in 13:26.79. And Sara Curtis of Italy posted successive world records in winning her first European title in the 50m backstroke, clocking 26.62 in the semi-final and 36.56 in the final. A total of 33 records were set during the swimming competition, and one was equalled. Men’s and women’s para swimming in the 50m and 100m freestyle was incorporated in the main programme over the closing weekend – a landmark inclusion – and the performances received widespread appreciation and support. Continuing the ongoing work of the European Aquatics Academy, expert-led coaching clinics were held during the Championships for swimming, artistic swimming, diving, high diving and open water swimming. Paris 2026 featured a well attended and highly successful two-day European Aquatics Swim Safe Conference involving experts, partners and leading administrators which stressed the vital challenge of ensuring more children were taught to swim and to understand wider water safety. There were also a series of searching analyses on the challenges of gaining funding for safety projects, as well as a number of contributions highlighting the smart technology breakthroughs involving swimming pool regeneration and AI safety features. The European Aquatics Championships Paris 2026 event also incorporated a tangible legacy programme, including swimming opportunities for children and permanent learn-to-swim capacity at the Olympic Aquatics Centre. The breadth and quality of legacy and inclusion initiatives at Paris 2026 were marked on the concluding day of the Championships by the award of a State Equality (Terrain d’Egalite) label testifying to its certification by the French national standards organisation Association Francaise de Normalisation (AFNOR). The award was conferred on the French Swimming Federation (FFN) by Marina Ferrari, Minister of Sports, Youth and Community Life. A social ticketing system was established enabling the distribution of about 6,000 tickets to audiences from disadvantaged backgrounds. An accessibility policy was developed for disabled people focusing in particular on the inclusion of para-swimming events, digital accessibility, and the conditions for welcoming event spectators. The fight against discrimination with specific work around combating LGBTphobia in collaboration with the FIER Foundation. A WeCare Team of over 100 volunteers out of the 600 at the event was specially trained to welcome people with disabilities. Mike Rowbottom for European Aquatics
Women in Aquatics Network members gather during Paris 2026 Championships
Around 30 members of the Women in Aquatics Network came together on 10 August for an informal gathering during the European Aquatics Championships Paris 2026. Held at the competition swimming pool following the morning swimming heats, the event brought together women from different countries, generations and professional backgrounds, all connected through their involvement in aquatics. The gathering was opened by Sarah Keane, European Aquatics Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair and Bureau Liaison, who welcomed participants and thanked them for attending. She also shared an update on the work of the Women in Aquatics Network and its efforts to connect women working across different roles within the aquatic sports community. “What we are trying to do is bring women together to get to know each other as leaders within European Aquatics, to support each other, learn from each other and encourage each other to take on more roles and opportunities within aquatics. Today is about making real connections — meeting new people, sharing our experiences and building a network of women who can support each other and help make European Aquatics stronger and more inclusive.” Sarah then invited those present to introduce themselves to the group, creating an opportunity for participants to learn more about each other’s experiences and areas of work. Among those attending were Andida Bouma, European Aquatics Treasurer, Silvia Costa, European Aquatics Social Responsibility Manager, Pernille Blume, European Aquatics Bureau Member, Leonie Beck, European Aquatics Athlete Ambassador, Julia Powischer, Secretary General of the Austrian Swimming Federation, alongside many other members and professionals from across the aquatics community. The introductions were followed by an informal food and drinks reception, allowing participants to continue the conversation, exchange experiences and build new connections in a relaxed setting. The gathering reflected the diversity of the Women in Aquatics Network, with approximately 50 women from a wide range of countries, professions and age groups taking part. The Paris meeting follows the Network’s first leadership webinar, held in June, which brought together more than 30 women for discussions on leadership, governance and professional development. The Women in Aquatics Network will continue to provide opportunities for members to connect, exchange experiences and support greater participation of women across the European aquatics community. Women interested in joining future activities of the Women in Aquatics Network are invited to register through the official platform. The Network is open to women aged 18 and over who are members of a National Federation within European Aquatics, or who have been involved in aquatics at any point during the past 10 years, and who have an interest in leadership and professional development within sport.
Women in Aquatics Network members gather during Paris 2026 Championships
Around 50 members of the Women in Aquatics Network came together on 10 August for an informal gathering during the European Aquatics Championships Paris 2026. Held at the competition swimming pool following the morning swimming heats, the event brought together women from different countries, generations and professional backgrounds, all connected through their involvement in aquatics. The gathering was opened by Sarah Keane, European Aquatics Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair and Bureau Liaison, who welcomed participants and thanked them for attending. She also shared an update on the work of the Women in Aquatics Network and its efforts to connect women working across different roles within the aquatic sports community. “What we are trying to do is bring women together to get to know each other as leaders within European Aquatics, to support each other, learn from each other and encourage each other to take on more roles and opportunities within aquatics. Today is about making real connections — meeting new people, sharing our experiences and building a network of women who can support each other and help make European Aquatics stronger and more inclusive.” Sarah then invited those present to introduce themselves to the group, creating an opportunity for participants to learn more about each other’s experiences and areas of work. Among those attending were Andida Bouma, European Aquatics Treasurer, Silvia Costa, European Aquatics Social Responsibility Manager, Pernille Blume, European Aquatics Bureau Member, Leonie Beck, European Aquatics Athlete Ambassador, Julia Powischer, Secretary General of the Austrian Swimming Federation, alongside many other members and professionals from across the aquatics community. The introductions were followed by an informal food and drinks reception, allowing participants to continue the conversation, exchange experiences and build new connections in a relaxed setting. The gathering reflected the diversity of the Women in Aquatics Network, with approximately 50 women from a wide range of countries, professions and age groups taking part. The Paris meeting follows the Network’s first leadership webinar, held in June, which brought together more than 30 women for discussions on leadership, governance and professional development. The Women in Aquatics Network will continue to provide opportunities for members to connect, exchange experiences and support greater participation of women across the European aquatics community. Women interested in joining future activities of the Women in Aquatics Network are invited to register through the official platform. The Network is open to women aged 18 and over who are members of a National Federation within European Aquatics, or who have been involved in aquatics at any point during the past 10 years, and who have an interest in leadership and professional development within sport.
Paris 2026: Day two of EA Swim Safe Conference highlights key funding challenges and smart breakthroughs
Speaking on day two of the European Swim Safe Conference, Jan Pommer, chief executive officer of the German Swimming Federation (DSV) highlighted a range of challenges that are being addressed in the establishment of his country’s learn-to-swim programme. According to DSV research, 60 per cent of 10-year-olds in Germany cannot swim safely, and 20 per cent of primary school children cannot swim at all. Additionally of children belonging to low-income families on less than 2,500 euros a month, 50 per cent cannot swim safely. While for children from families bringing in more than 4,000 euros a month the figure is 12 per cent. “Firstly it is an economic fact that a dentist’s child is five times more likely to swim than the child of a bus driver,” Pommer said. “Clearly not acceptable. “Hundreds of swimming pools have closed down in the last few years. So there is a clear need for investment into swimming pools and infrastructure. “Apart from the issues of costs, travel issues and limited water time there are also too few qualified people. Instructors are missing.” This year, however, the DLV has brokered a deal with the German Government which is committed to supporting the learn-to-swim programme with 5 million euros per year for four years. “This is the first time the federal government has acknowledged that this is a national task we are facing requiring the federal body to take responsibility,” Pommer said. “We have signed a contract with the Government that we will receive money and make the best out of it. It’s a big responsibility. If you get it wrong you have to pay it back! “Success will be measured by our providing proof that we have reached children from target groups. We have to measure how many people we have qualified and enabled. There must be answerability. “We will be in scaling phase by the end of the year. And next summer or autumn we will have to go to the Government and let them know what we have done so far. And if we are lucky they will release the next 5m to continue with the project.” Asked how the DLV managed to get the national government to agree to give them 5 million euros, Pommer replied: “First of all not every politician was aware of what the situation was like. They are mostly my age or older. They have the fantasy that everyone in Germany can swim as was the case when I was young. So the first step was to make them understand the real situation. “Secondly we said to them that if you invest this amount or more you can really change something. Because the problem of the infrastructure is a long-term one. Authorities tend to be reluctant to re-open swimming pools. “We said this was something that would help them at least to address this problem at the same time as the infrastructure is being rebuilt. “Thirdly, there’s general feeling in Germany that we used to be successful but somehow we have lost our ambition, our touch. “And this could be a programme where we see results pretty quickly and the government could show it has done something for the broader public, for our children – for a bargain buy of 20 million euros, that everyone can see. “Also Germany is on brink of applying for the Olympics again. And if we want to be successful in 2040 or 2044, now is the time to prepare. “For those children that want to win the medals for Germany you have to start now. If our population can’t swim properly they won’t win those medals.” A key element of the German plan, which works with 50m as the basic target distance for young swimmers, and one which takes up almost half the funding, is the establishment of 10 to 15 model regions where a committed individual works to link local clubs and facilities. Asked why his generation swam and why the current generation doesn’t, Pommer cited the deterioration of infrastructure, the fact that schools didn’t implement swimming lessons even though they were compulsory, and a cultural shift whereby parents now, while wanting their children to swim, no longer see it as their responsibility. Speaking in the first of the afternoon’s round table discussions, on the topic of policy and fund-raising for Swim Safe Europe programmes, European Aquatics President Antonio Silva described the two main approaches. “The first way is to speak directly to governments to ask for a commitment. The cost of these programmes is really low and the benefits are huge. “But if that doesn’t work, do it the other way round. Go to cities or regions or municipalities and engage more and more to sell them tailor-made solutions that will save children’s lives. “If you reach one city neighbouring cities will get jealous as they also want a solution to save lives – and they will contact you!” In May this year EA and its partner Fluidra, global leader in pool solutions, agreed on a refurbishment programme to address more than 24,000 public pools across Europe which are considered obsolete and uneconomic. Thorsten Muck, Commercial Pool Director at Fluidra, outlined some of the initiatives being made. “What would the learn-to-swim progamme be without proper facilities?” he asked. “There was a big boom in 60s and 70s in pools but since then not a lot.” He explained how Fluidra are developing myriad innovations to convert these older structures – saving huge amounts on the possible cost of building new venues. “We can keep the original infrastructure but refurbish the base, pool deck and filtration system,” he said, adding that innovations to internal systems using live data can reduce operating costs by 15 to 20 per cent. In Barcelona we took over five pools where running costs were 360,000 euros a year. It was a 45,000 euro investment. All are now running at under 300,000 euros a year. He also highlighted the use within pools of Lynxight – AI
Paris 2026: Day one of EA Swim Safe Conference offers tales of survival, strategy and standards
Day one of the European Aquatics Swim Safe Conference offered a huge range of different voices and advice on the key topic of broadening the teaching of swimming and reducing the number of drownings across the continent. Welcoming guests to the Conference, European Aquatics President Antonio Silva said: “This is a very important milestone for European Aquatics and for our Swim Safe programme. “This is a programme that deals primarily with the questions related to learning to swim and the prevention of drowning in Europe. “Each year in Europe we have more than 20,000 drownings – many involving children between three and 14 years old. “That raises our concern and we want to create an improvement at EA and to speak to governments about all topics related to water. “This is our vision. Not only to handle elite competitions, as were are now with these Paris 2026 Championships, but also to generate these innovative sessions and conferences about learning to swim and drowning prevention. “In parallel we are also running an Aqua Safety Kids project which is financed by the European Union and European Commission. “Here in Paris we are awarding certificates to national federations who have entered the Swim Safe programme. “Our main goal is to make it mandatory for school-age children in all European countries to learn to swim. We are working with a lot of stakeholders on this target, trying to influence at local, regional and national level to find a way we can push in this direction. “This is our idea. To enlarge the number of countries that have this policy in place. It is important to save our children. Swimming is not a sports skill alone, it is a life skill. This is the most important message to share with people.” Lazreg Benelhadj, vice-president of the French Swimming Federation (FFN), said: “For the FFN this safety programme is a major responsibility. In France we start at a very young age – children learn to float and not to fear water. Then they learn to swim. “We have a large network devoted to this across the country, but we are always creating opportunities for establishing new projects. “Our countries are different but our aim is the same – making people safe in the water.” Lotos Vincenc Šparovec, a Slovenian actor and reserve military officer, offered attendees a profoundly moving account of how, in 1993, as a 21-year-old student working on a merchant ship in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Sierra Leone, he was washed overboard by a huge wave without his crewmates realising at the time. Šparovec, a former club swimmer, described the progress of his thoughts as he came to terms with his imminent death. “No ship. No one was coming to rescue me. Then I suddenly remembered all the kilometres I had swum in the pool, all the stopwatches, the years of training. Maybe all this training had been preparing me for this moment, for the race for my life.” After many hours he saw in the distance that his ship had returned in search of him. “But the ship was passing by me. I said to myself: now the race begins. And I started swimming towards it with all the strength I had.” Eventually he took off the yellow tee shirt he was wearing and waved it in the air. He was spotted. He was rescued from a position where, as the captain of the ship later evaluated, there was maybe a chance in a 1000 of survival. “The ship had come all the way back for me. The boatswain dived into the water to save me at the end when a big wave crashed me against the hull. I remember being calm, grateful and humble. And fully aware of how insignificant I was compared to the immense power of the ocean.” Aisling McKeever, Head of Clubs and Education at Swim Ireland, outlined details of her federation’s Dive to Survive programme. “Parents bring children to swim”, she said. “They want then to swim 25 metres – one length. Does that mean they are safe? “Do they know anything about water safety, open water – do their parents know about safety?” She noted the fact that 19 of the 52 European Aquatics national federations were now fully certificated within the Swim Safe programme. “We’re a third of the way there so far,” she said. Fifteen of the signed-up federations were present in Paris to receive their certificates at a Gala Dinner which followed the opening day of the Conference. Certificates were given to national federation representatives from Georgia. Norway, Malta, Lithuania, England, Ukraine, France, Ireland, Slovenia, Estonia, Scotland, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark and Russia. McKeever stressed the need to acquire concrete data in order to influence governments, adding: “You need to be able to quote numbers.” She highlighted how traction could be gained by using opportunities such as World Drowing Prevention Day – and by getting elite athletes on board. She also pointed out the effectiveness of collaborations. “When someone wins a medal everyone wants to hear about it,” she said. “But when you want to deliver key information about water safety, who’s listening?” Great results can occur from putting these two elements together, as the Irish federation found when they were able to harness the backing of Paris 2024 800m champion Daniel Wiffen. “Daniel was genuinely passionate on this subject, and he helped launch our national swimming safety programme. We got far more coverage than in any other initiative we have launched.” She went on to praise efforts made by another top Irish swimmer, Ellen Walshe, who is also a swimming teacher. “Elite athletes can do the work for you!” she added. There followed showcase contributions from four of the federations which are now fully certificated within the Swim Safe programme. Presenting on behalf of the Flemish Swimming Federation, Killian De Block explained how government authorities had agreed to measures including the recommendation that children should be able to swim a
Paris 2026: Day one of EA Swim Safe Conference offers tales of survival, strategy and standards
Day one of the European Aquatics Swim Safe Conference offered a huge range of different voices and advice on the key topic of broadening the teaching of swimming and reducing the number of drownings across the continent. Welcoming guests to the Conference, European Aquatics President Antonio Silva said: “This is a very important milestone for European Aquatics and for our Swim Safe programme. “This is a programme that deals primarily with the questions related to learning to swim and the prevention of drowning in Europe. “Each year in Europe we have more than 20,000 drownings – many involving children between three and 14 years old. “That raises our concern and we want to create an improvement at EA and to speak to governments about all topics related to water. “This is our vision. Not only to handle elite competitions, as were are now with these Paris 2026 Championships, but also to generate these innovative sessions and conferences about learning to swim and drowning prevention. “In parallel we are also running an Aqua Safety Kids project which is financed by the European Union and European Commission. “Here in Paris we are awarding certificates to national federations who have entered the Swim Safe programme. “Our main goal is to make it mandatory for school-age children in all European countries to learn to swim. We are working with a lot of stakeholders on this target, trying to influence at local, regional and national level to find a way we can push in this direction. “This is our idea. To enlarge the number of countries that have this policy in place. It is important to save our children. Swimming is not a sports skill alone, it is a life skill. This is the most important message to share with people.” Lazreg Benelhadj, vice-president of the French Swimming Federation (FFN), said: “For the FFN this safety programme is a major responsibility. In France we start at a very young age – children learn to float and not to fear water. Then they learn to swim. “We have a large network devoted to this across the country, but we are always creating opportunities for establishing new projects. “Our countries are different but our aim is the same – making people safe in the water.” Lotos Vincenc Šparovec, a Slovenian actor and reserve military officer, offered attendees a profoundly moving account of how, in 1993, as a 21-year-old student working on a merchant ship in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Sierra Leone, he was washed overboard by a huge wave without his crewmates realising at the time. Šparovec, a former club swimmer, described the progress of his thoughts as he came to terms with his imminent death. “No ship. No one was coming to rescue me. Then I suddenly remembered all the kilometres I had swum in the pool, all the stopwatches, the years of training. Maybe all this training had been preparing me for this moment, for the race for my life.” After many hours he saw in the distance that his ship had returned in search of him. “But the ship was passing by me. I said to myself: now the race begins. And I started swimming towards it with all the strength I had.” Eventually he took off the yellow tee shirt he was wearing and waved it in the air. He was spotted. He was rescued from a position where, as the captain of the ship later evaluated, there was maybe a chance in a 1000 of survival. “The ship had come all the way back for me. The boatswain dived into the water to save me at the end when a big wave crashed me against the hull. I remember being calm, grateful and humble. And fully aware of how insignificant I was compared to the immense power of the ocean.” Aisling McKeever, Head of Clubs and Education at Swim Ireland, outlined details of her federation’s Dive to Survive programme. “Parents bring children to swim”, she said. “They want then to swim 25 metres – one length. Does that mean they are safe? “Do they know anything about water safety, open water – do their parents know about safety?” She noted the fact that 19 of the 52 European Aquatics national federations were now fully certificated within the Swim Safe programme. “We’re a third of the way there so far,” she said. Fifteen of the signed-up federations were present in Paris to receive their certificates at a Gala Dinner which followed the opening day of the Conference. McKeever stressed the need to acquire concrete data in order to influence governments, adding: “You need to be able to quote numbers.” She highlighted how traction could be gained by using opportunities such as World Drowing Prevention Day – and by getting elite athletes on board. She also pointed out the effectiveness of collaborations. “When someone wins a medal everyone wants to hear about it,” she said. “But when you want to deliver key information about water safety, who’s listening?” Great results can occur from putting these two elements together, as the Irish federation found when they were able to harness the backing of Paris 2024 800m champion Daniel Wiffen. “Daniel was genuinely passionate on this subject, and he helped launch our national swimming safety programme. We got far more coverage than in any other initiative we have launched.” She went on to praise efforts made by another top Irish swimmer, Ellen Walshe, who is also a swimming teacher. “Elite athletes can do the work for you!” she added. There followed showcase contributions from four of the federations which are now fully certificated within the Swim Safe programme. Presenting on behalf of the Flemish Swimming Federation, Killian De Block explained how government authorities had agreed to measures including the recommendation that children should be able to swim a minimum distance of 50 metres. But the measures were “watered down” and the latter stipulation was judged too difficult to implement. “We don’t agree,”
Paris 2026: Day one of EA Swim Safe Conference offers tales of survival, strategy and standards
Day one of the European Aquatics Swim Safe Conference offered a huge range of different voices and advice on the key topic of broadening the teaching of swimming and reducing the number of drownings across the continent. Welcoming guests to the Conference, European Aquatics President Antonio Silva said: “This is a very important milestone for European Aquatics and for our Swim Safe programme. “This is a programme that deals primarily with the questions related to learning to swim and the prevention of drowning in Europe. “Each year in Europe we have more than 20,000 drownings – many involving children between three and 14 years old. “That raises our concern and we want to create an improvement at EA and to speak to governments about all topics related to water. “This is our vision. Not only to handle elite competitions, as were are now with these Paris 2026 Championships, but also to generate these innovative sessions and conferences about learning to swim and drowning prevention. “In parallel we are also running an Aqua Safety Kids project which is financed by the European Union and European Commission. “Here in Paris we are awarding certificates to national federations who have entered the Swim Safe programme. “Our main goal is to make it mandatory for school-age children in all European countries to learn to swim. We are working with a lot of stakeholders on this target, trying to influence at local, regional and national level to find a way we can push in this direction. “This is our idea. To enlarge the number of countries that have this policy in place. It is important to save our children. Swimming is not a sports skill alone, it is a life skill. This is the most important message to share with people.” Lazreg Benelhadj, vice-president of the French Swimming Federation (FFN), said: “For the FFN this safety programme is a major responsibility. In France we start at a very young age – children learn to float and not to fear water. Then they learn to swim. “We have a large network devoted to this across the country, but we are always creating opportunities for establishing new projects. “Our countries are different but our aim is the same – making people safe in the water.” Lotos Vincenc Šparovec, a Slovenian actor and reserve military officer, offered attendees a profoundly moving account of how, in 1993, as a 21-year-old student working on a merchant ship in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Sierra Leone, he was washed overboard by a huge wave without his crewmates realising at the time. Šparovec, a former club swimmer, described the progress of his thoughts as he came to terms with his imminent death. “No ship. No one was coming to rescue me. Then I suddenly remembered all the kilometres I had swum in the pool, all the stopwatches, the years of training. Maybe all this training had been preparing me for this moment, for the race for my life.” After many hours he saw in the distance that his ship had returned in search of him. “But the ship was passing by me. I said to myself: now the race begins. And I started swimming towards it with all the strength I had.” Eventually he took off the yellow tee shirt he was wearing and waved it in the air. He was spotted. He was rescued from a position where, as the captain of the ship later evaluated, there was maybe a chance in a 1000 of survival. “The ship had come all the way back for me. The boatswain dived into the water to save me at the end when a big wave crashed me against the hull. I remember being calm, grateful and humble. And fully aware of how insignificant I was compared to the immense power of the ocean.” Aisling McKeever, Head of Clubs and Education at Swim Ireland, outlined details of her federation’s Dive to Survive programme. “Parents bring children to swim”, she said. “They want then to swim 25 metres – one length. Does that mean they are safe? “Do they know anything about water safety, open water – do their parents know about safety?” She noted the fact that 19 of the 52 European Aquatics national federations were now fully certificated within the Swim Safe programme. “We’re a third of the way there so far,” she said. Signed-up federations received their certificates at a Gala Dinner which followed the opening day of the Conference. McKeever stressed the need to acquire concrete data in order to influence governments, adding: “You need to be able to quote numbers.” She highlighted how traction could be gained by using opportunities such as World Drowing Prevention Day – and by getting elite athletes on board. She also pointed out the effectiveness of collaborations. “When someone wins a medal everyone wants to hear about it,” she said. “But when you want to deliver key information about water safety, who’s listening?” Great results can occur from putting these two elements together, as the Irish federation found when they were able to harness the backing of Paris 2024 800m champion Daniel Wiffen. “Daniel was genuinely passionate on this subject, and he helped launch our national swimming safety programme. We got far more coverage than in any other initiative we have launched.” She went on to praise efforts made by another top Irish swimmer, Ellen Walshe, who is also a swimming teacher. “Elite athletes can do the work for you!” she added. There followed showcase contributions from four of the federations which are now fully certificated within the Swim Safe programme. Presenting on behalf of the Flemish Swimming Federation, Killian De Block explained how government authorities had agreed to measures including the recommendation that children should be able to swim a minimum distance of 50 metres. But the measures were “watered down” and the latter stipulation was judged too difficult to implement. “We don’t agree,” he said. “But we continue to support our
From research to real-world impact: the science driving the future of aquatic education
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
From local programmes to European standards: how Learn to Swim success stories are shaping the future
No two countries teach children to swim in exactly the same way. Different facilities, climates, school systems and sporting cultures mean that Learn to Swim programmes naturally evolve to meet local needs. Yet across Europe, many National Federations are finding innovative ways to achieve the same objective: helping more children become confident and safe in the water. One of the most practical sessions at the Swim Safe Europe Conference 2026 will therefore focus not on theory, but on experience. Representatives from the Flemish Swimming Federation, Scottish Swimming, Swim England and LTU Aquatics will present certified Learn to Swim programmes that have demonstrated high standards of quality, organisation and educational impact. Rather than promoting a single model, the session has been designed to showcase different approaches to common challenges. Delegates will discover how federations have structured their programmes, developed coach education pathways, introduced quality assurance mechanisms and adapted teaching methods to suit their own national contexts. This exchange of practical experience lies at the heart of the Swim Safe Europe philosophy. European Aquatics recognises that some of the most valuable innovations originate within Member Federations themselves. By creating opportunities to share successful initiatives, the conference enables good ideas to travel across borders, benefiting the wider aquatic community. The certified programme presentations will also illustrate how consistent standards can coexist with local flexibility, demonstrating that excellence in Learn to Swim is not defined by one methodology but by a shared commitment to safety, inclusion and quality. For delegates working within National Federations, clubs or local authorities, these case studies provide more than inspiration. They offer practical frameworks that can be adapted, refined and implemented within their own communities. Ultimately, the session reflects the conference’s broader ambition: transforming individual success stories into collective progress for aquatic education across 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
Building confidence from the very first splash: why early aquatic experiences matter in Swim Safe Europe Conference 2026
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