Nordic consortium for education in water activities

This research collaboration consists of two parts: “Expert Statement: Swimming Competence and Water Safety Education in the Nordic Countries” and “Pilot Study: Swimming Competence in Nordic Children”

Expert Statement: Swimming Competence and Water Safety Education in the Nordic Countries
The purpose of this expert statement is to summarize current knowledge regarding swimming competence and education in water activities across the Nordic countries. Based on this analysis, the statement will also provide recommendations for future developments in swimming and water safety education, teacher education (in basic education grades 1–10), as well as directions for further research.
The expert statement will propose future considerations for swimming and water safety education, with particular focus on primary and lower secondary school (grades 1–10) and teacher education. It will also highlight areas where further research is needed to support evidence-based improvements across the Nordic countries.

Pilot Study: Swimming Competence in Nordic Children
This project is a cross-cultural pilot study examining swimming competence among children in the Nordic countries. Data will be collected in all participating countries, coordinated by the members of the Nordic Collaboration (NC).
The study sample will consist of a minimum of 10 children aged 9–12 years from each country, recruited from local schools, with an aim to ensure a balanced gender mix. Swimming competence will be measured using the Swimming Competence Assessment Scale (SCAS) and the Perceived Swimming Competence Scale (PSCA). Both assessment tools must be translated into the respective national languages (see timeline).
The study procedure requires that the assessment of perceived competence (PSCA) is conducted before the assessment of actual competence (SCAS). In addition to these measures, background variables such as age, birth month, and experience with aquatic activities will also be collected.
Ethical approval must be obtained in all participating countries, covering both the pilot study and any potential larger-scale follow-up study (see timeline). To ensure reliability, training in the test protocols is crucial, and students in Teacher Education programs may assist with testing and data collection.

Denne forskningssamarbejde består af to dele: en ekspertudtalelse og et pilotstudie.

Ekspertudtalelsen samler viden om svømmefærdigheder og undervisning i vandaktiviteter i de nordiske lande. På baggrund af denne viden gives anbefalinger til, hvordan svømmeundervisning og vandsikkerhed kan udvikles i grundskolen (1.–10. klasse) og i læreruddannelsen. Der peges også på behov for yderligere forskning.

Pilotstudiet undersøger svømmefærdigheder hos børn i alderen 9–12 år i de nordiske lande. Mindst 10 børn fra hvert land deltager, og deres faktiske og selvoplevede svømmefærdigheder bliver testet. Formålet er at få en første indsigt i børns svømmeniveau og skabe grundlag for en eventuel større undersøgelse på tværs af Norden.