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About project
Bridging the gap between pool safety and open water
Natural water environments offer unique opportunities — and unique risks. SWIMSAFE addresses the growing need for structured education in places where most drownings actually happen.
The challenge
lack of structured safety education
The SWIMSAFE project promotes open water swimming safety by equipping swimmers, coaches, and trainers with essential knowledge and practical skills. Led by the Serbian Swimming Federation (PSS) in collaboration with the Croatian Swimming Federation (HPS) and the Slovenian Swimming Federation (PZS), the project addresses the growing need for structured education on water safety, risk prevention, and environmental awareness.
The approach
guidelines, digital modules, and workshops
Through research-based safety guidelines, digital learning resources, and regional training workshops, SWIMSAFE enhances the capacity of sports professionals to train athletes in hazard recognition, self-rescue techniques, and responsible engagement with natural water environments. The project fosters cross-border cooperation, ensuring that best practices are integrated into national training programs.
The reach
materials freely available beyond the project period
With a focus on sustainability and accessibility, SWIMSAFE ensures that its educational materials and methodologies remain available beyond the project’s duration. Public awareness campaigns and policy engagement efforts will further promote long-term adoption of safety protocols in open water sports.
The impact
safer and more responsible open water swimming culture
By improving safety standards and regional collaboration, SWIMSAFE contributes to a safer, more inclusive, and environmentally responsible swimming culture across Europe.
MONTHS
partner organisations
participants
our goal
The Swim-Safe project aims to:
Provide education
Enhance water safety education by providing structured training programs for young swimmers,coaches, and local communities.
Raise awareness
Promote the reintegration of swimmers into natural water environments through awareness campaigns and community-based activities.
Preserve nature
Develop sustainable practices for the maintenance and preservation of open water swimming locations.
Strengthen cooperation
Strengthen regional cooperation by sharing best practices and collaborating on long-term strategies for safe, sustainable open water swimming.
With a focus on sustainability and accessibility, SWIMSAFE ensures that its educational materials and methodologies remain available beyond the project’s duration. Public awareness campaigns and policy engagement efforts will further promote long-term adoption of safety protocols in open water sports.
why it matters
Open water is where risks are greatest
The project will focus on:
- Raising awareness of open water safety among swimmers, coaches, and local communities.
- Providing structured training for safe open water swimming, equipping young athletes and recreational swimmers with the necessary skills.
- Improving environmental sustainability of swimming locations, ensuring water quality and safety measures are in place.
- Encouraging cross-border collaboration to exchange best practices and create long-term strategies for safe and sustainable open water swimming.
Natural environments require different skills
Rivers, lakes, and coastal areas present hazards that pool training alone cannot prepare swimmers for