BRUSSELS, Sept. 18, 2025
Children’s Water Confidence Under Scrutiny
International study results on childhood swimming skills and water literacy to be unveiled in Brussels.
How do children truly navigate the water? What factors shape their swimming abilities and comfort levels? The European Erasmus+ project, Aquatic Literacy for All Children (ALFAC), is set to answer these pivotal questions. After three years of dedicated research, the international consortium will reveal its findings in Brussels on Sept. 18, 2025, during a symposium and a concluding ceremony.
The ALFAC project is presenting international comparison data for the first time.
This comprehensive study delves into the motor, cognitive, and psychosocial dimensions of swimming proficiency in children aged six to twelve. Data collection spanned seven European nations: Germany, Belgium, France, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, and Portugal. Within Germany, research activities took place in Cologne, Kassel, and Flensburg. The German Sport University Cologne spearheaded this aspect, collaborating with the European University of Flensburg and the University of Kassel.
Tools for Teachers and Trainers
Beyond the raw research data, the ALFAC project will introduce an educational toolkit designed for swimming lessons and fostering water competence. This resource aims to equip teachers and swimming instructors with practical methodologies to effectively and sustainably enhance children’s swimming capabilities.
The accompanying symposium will convene international experts. They will present innovative teaching strategies, novel research avenues, and practical initiatives focused on advancing water competence among young learners.
- Research examines motor, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of swimming in children aged 6-12.
- Data was gathered from seven countries across Europe.
- An educational toolkit for swimming instruction will be released.
- A symposium in Brussels will present study findings and expert insights.
The final ceremony of the ALFAC project is open to the public and will be accessible online starting at 2 p.m. A detailed schedule is available for review. Online registration is required to attend.
Further details regarding the symposium can be accessed, and a comprehensive summary of the event, research outcomes, and the educational toolkit will be published on the project’s website following the symposium.
Contact:
Dr. Ilka Staub
German Sport University Cologne
Institute for Mediation Competence in Sports
+49 221 4982-4223
[email protected]
