HOME / DIGITAL LEARNING RESOURCES / MODULE 1

Module 3 – Environmental Responsibility in Open Water Swimming

Downloads

Learning aim

What you will learn

Participants understand how to protect natural swimming sites and how environmental conditions affect swimmer safety.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

identify water quality risks
apply responsible behaviour at swimming sites
plan a simple club-level environmental action

⏱ 30–45 minutes

Swimmers · Coaches · Swimming clubs · Event organisers · Local stakeholders

DOWNLOAD MODULE ↓

3.1

Why environment matters for safety

Open water safety is connected to environmental quality. Pollution, harmful algal blooms, heavy rainfall, waste, poor visibility, boat fuel, sharp objects, sewage overflow and damaged access points can all affect whether a swimming location is suitable. Responsible swimming protects both people and nature.

Pollution

Algal blooms

Heavy rainfall

Waste

Poor visibility

Boat fuel

Sharp objects

Sevage overflow

Damaged access points

3.2

Responsible swimmer behaviour

Use designated or locally accepted swimming areas whenever possible.

Respect signs, temporary restrictions, water quality warnings and advice from local authorities.

Do not leave litter, food packaging, plastic bottles, tape, swim caps or event materials near the water.

Avoid disturbing wildlife, nesting areas, riverbanks, reeds and protected habitats.

Use existing paths and access points instead of damaging vegetation or unstable banks.

Avoid swimming after pollution warnings, strong storms, visible contamination or unusual water colour/smell.

Report hazards such as broken glass, pollution, dead fish, oil, unsafe access points or missing safety signs to the relevant local body.

3.3

Environmental risk indicators

These six indicators signal that a swimming location may not be suitable. Each requires a specific action — some mean postponing, others mean avoiding entirely and reporting to authorities.

Official water quality warning

Possible meaning: Water may not be safe for swimming.

Do not swim until the warning is removed.

Heavy rainfall before swimming

Possible meaning: Runoff and pollution risk may increase.

Check local bathing water information and postpone if uncertain.

Green scum or unusual algae

Possible meaning: Possible harmful algal bloom.

Avoid contact and inform local authorities if needed.

Unusual smell, foam, oil or waste

Possible meaning: Possible contamination.

Do not enter and report the concern.

Sharp waste or broken glass

Possible meaning: Injury risk at entry/exit areas.

Avoid the area and inform site managers/local authorities.

Wildlife disturbance signs

Possible meaning: Sensitive habitat or protected area.

Respect restrictions and choose another location.

3.4

Club environmental action plan

Each swimming club can connect open water safety education with environmental responsibility by choosing one small action during or after the project period.

Action	How to implement	Evidence for reporting
Clean-up action	Organise a safe land-based clean-up near a swimming site with local permission.	Photos, attendance list, short report, amount/type of waste collected.
Water safety information post	Share safety and environmental messages on the club website or social media.	Screenshots, links, post text.
Local risk map	Prepare a simple map of entry/exit points, hazards and emergency meeting points.	PDF/image of the map and explanation.
Stakeholder contact	Connect with municipality, environmental organisation or site manager.	Meeting note, email confirmation or cooperation statement.
Youth awareness session	Run a short classroom or club briefing using these modules.	Agenda, photos, participant list and feedback form.

3.5

Coach/Trainer notes

Guidance for session delivery

Recommended for coaches, trainers, instructors and club staff

Link every environmental topic to safety: clean water, safe entry points and visible information reduce risk.
Use local examples from Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia so participants understand their own swimming environments.
Do not ask young participants to enter unsafe, polluted or restricted areas for clean-up activities; keep clean-ups land-based and supervised.
Use before-and-after photos responsibly and avoid showing identifiable minors without consent.

1.5

Knowledge Check: Module 3

Try to answer these questions by yourself. When finished, choose each question to reveal correct answer and check your response.

Why should swimmers check water quality information?

Because pollution or contamination can make a site unsafe even if the water looks normal.

Name three signs that a swimming site may not be suitable.

Examples: warning sign, unusual smell, algae, oil, waste, strong flow, poor visibility, heavy rainfall.

What should a swimmer do with litter at a natural site?

Take personal waste away and support safe clean-up actions where organised.

Why should swimmers use existing paths and access points?

To protect habitats, reduce erosion and avoid unsafe banks or hidden hazards.