Delivered by World Aquatics’ experts, the training course aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Discover Water programme and the responsibilities of Country Leads, guide the development of a structured curriculum, and equip participants with the skills to train and support local educators.

Launched on World Drowning Day 2024 ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the innovative programme offers a range of educational tools to enable young children from around the world to safely embrace aquatics sports and learn vital skills in an engaging manner.

Discover Water takes a collaborative approach with World Aquatics’ Members to executing activations, and the training course in Malawi was a key milestone in implementing the programme on the African continent.

Country Leads nominated by their National Federations enjoyed a range of interactive sessions, including discussions on the importance of developing physical literacy, planning for implementation of Discover Water Programme locally, identifying key partners, and building a national educators learning community.

In addition, the event concluded with the opportunity for the Country Leads to practise implementing Discover Water activities in Malawi, with 50 children aged between six and 12 learning about water safety, the environment and the Olympic values.

Leonie Beck hails Discover Water programme

One of the most famous names in open water swimming, three-time Olympian Leonie Beck understands as well as anyone the life-changing impact that developing aquatic literacy at an early age can have.

“What made me love the water was I grew up with my siblings in the swimming pool in a sports team. Now I spend so much time in the water and I can really let my mind run free when I’m swimming, and this is something I really appreciate,” she reflected.

Beck was in attendance in Malawi to learn more about the Discover Water programme, and to promote water safety and participation in aquatic sports – two topics which are close to her heart.  She shared her experience and expertise with Country Leads as part of the training course, and wants to use her platform to give back to the global aquatics community and make a powerful impact on young people.

“As a swimmer, I am really happy to be part of the Discover Water programme. I think it is very important that everyone has the chance to learn swimming. This sport is such a great sport – it gives you so many skills you can have for the rest of your life, so it is always nice to participate,” Beck said.

"The experts who delivered the course, Viv Holt and Sven Spannekrebs, facilitated learning in an interactive and participation-based manner in order to develop the necessary skills of Country Leads to implement the Discover Water programme in their countries.”

Beck additionally highlighted that the vital role of World Aquatics and the global aquatics family through the Discover Water programme in helping to reduce the risk of drowning globally.

“The Discover Water programme not only provides the skills to teach children to swim, but also helps to develop an understanding on how to act in different bodies of water. The conditions are completely different if you are in a pool, the sea, a lake or a river,” she said.

“It is really important that the children understand that nature can act in a way you do not expect, and it can be really dangerous if you do not learn how to act with the current or waves, for example.

“I think everyone should have the possibility to learn swimming in a fun way. It is one of the most important things to prevent drowning.”

Country Leads welcome collaboration on implementing Discover Water

The training course in Malawi brought together Country Leads from across the continent, and they unanimously appreciated the opportunity to work with World Aquatics, meet with their peers, exchange knowledge and learn as a group.

“Meeting other Country Leads and not just individuals from my country was very important and it was such an eye-opener, because I got to learn about different situations and different countries. Some countries are advanced in certain areas we are not, and some countries I could share what we do in our country to help solve issues,” Puni Gaetsewe from Botswana commented.

Johathan Amoako-Atta from Ghana concurred, adding: “Having participants from various countries in Africa is good for all. I have colleagues I can rely on for further explanation or information, and we can help each other through listening.

“I really think having a well-rounded base gives you strength and the ability to enjoy what you are doing, and this goes beyond even swimming.”

The training allowed the participants to gain a greater understanding of the Discover Water programme, and provided important learnings to each of the Country Leads. This will enhance the delivery of Discover Water in their respective countries.

Gaetsewe reflected: “Physical literacy is important in the swimming sense, but it’s not just swimming. What I loved is that it’s the development of the whole being.

“I learned how to engage with kids and how to approach learning in a holistic manner. The teachings stay with them for life, and it’s lovely that from a very young age you start learning about other aspects of your lives.”

The focus on physical literacy in the training course was also appreciated by Amoako-Atta.

"This is the first time I am understanding physical literacy and the importance of having a well-rounded programme - not just the development of the physical skills, but it allowed us to understand how cognitive, social and psychological aspects can be developed through swimming. It is a very good base for children to learn and enjoy water, and ultimately bind themselves to be part of aquatics activities for life,” he said.

To support the implementation of Discover Water, World Aquatics developed a toolkit which includes activity sheets, guidance on programme development, observation and evaluation methods, and training guidance for local educators.

The launch of Discover Water followed research and extensive consultations with World Aquatics’ experts and partners to develop a programme which capitalises on the aquatics community’s unique position to promote water safety.

World Aquatics continues to make progress on working collaboratively with National Federations and implementing the programme globally.