Nordic Learn to Swim Conference 2024

About the conference

Every other year, the Nordic Swimming Federation organizes a Nordic conference on learning to swim, which rotates between its member countries.

This conference is open to all interested parties, within and outside the Nordic region, with the hosting country collaborating with our Nordic Education group to determine the program.

This year, the conference will be held in beautiful Faroe Islands, with focus on practical information for swim instructors and teachers, while also diving into the concept of aquatic literacy.

You will see our brand-new 50m swim stadium, and we will have time between sessions for networking and enjoying the nature and hospitality of Tórshavn and the surrounding areas.

And we will also discuss the Nordic definition of swimming ability, now with European Aquatics working towards a European framework.

The conference will be conducted in English

Time Schedule / Program

Friday 18 October

• 09:00-12:00 A swim or a guided tour?
• 13:00-14:00 Registration & networking
• 14:00-14:30 Conference Opening Address
• 14:30-15:30 Session 1 – Keynote: Sílvia da Costa
• 15:30-16:30 Coffee break & networking
• 16:30-18:00 Session 2 – Keynote: Jon Sundan

Saturday 19 October

• 09:00-10:00 Session 3 – Keynote: Ilka Staub
• 10:00-11:00 Coffee break & networking
• 11:00-12:30 Session 4 – Lecture(s) by the pool
• 13:00-14:30 Lunch & networking
• 14:30-15:30 Session 5 – Keynote: Helgi Winther Olsen
• 15:30-16:30 Coffee break & networking
• 16:30-18:00 Session 6 – Panel discussion
• 20:00-23:59 Gala Dinner (optional, for added price)

Sunday 20 October

• 09:00-10:30 Session 7 – Workshop: Ilka Staub
• 10:30-11:30 Coffee break & networking
• 11:30-12:30 Session 8 – Wrap Up discussion
• 12:30-14:00 Lunch & networking
• 15:00 A swim or a guided tour?
• 20:00 The evening is yours

Main Speaker – Ilka Staub

Main Speaker – Jon Sundan

Jon Sundan is an Assistant Professor in Physical Education at the Department of Teacher Education at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway. His particular interests include research and education in outdoor education, water activities in general, and swimming competence in particular. In July, he submitted his doctoral thesis titled Assessing Swimming Competence among Children in Physical Education and Exploring Skill Transfer in Various Aquatic Environments.

Topic

Assessing Swimming Competence among Children in Physical Education, and Exploring Skill Transfer in Various Aquatic Environments

Join us as we dive into the critical role of swimming competence in children’s physical education, where we’ll uncover how these foundational skills can make a life-saving difference. We’ll explore the ways children adapt and transfer their capabilities across diverse aquatic environments — from calm swimming pools to unpredictable open waters. Whether you’re passionate about safety, education, or the joy of swimming, this presentation will offer fresh insights from a doctoral project that could transform the way we approach aquatic learning!

Main Speaker – Sílvia da Costa

Sílvia da Costa is currently finishing her PhD in Sports Management and has served as Aquatic Social Responsibility Project Manager at European Aquatics since May 2024. Sílvia has a robust career in sports management, having held various roles, including sports and association coordinator, as well as technical director at a city council. She was part of the management team for several European-funded projects related to inclusion, learning to swim, grassroots sports, and corporate social responsibility.

Topic

European Aquatics LTS/PD program: Framework and implementation process

This presentation aims to:

1. Present the final version of European aquatics LTS/PD framework, discussed during the launch of the European Aquatics Learn to Swim Framework in Jurmala, 2023. We will delve into the findings from the comprehensive survey conducted among 52 national federations, which highlighted the pressing need for unified standards in swim education across Europe. Key topics will include the definition of aquatic literacy, the establishment of developmental checkpoints for swimming competencies, and the importance of standardized teacher qualifications.
2. Present the implementation model (phases and process) of this program in all NF´s to foster dialogue among stakeholders to enhance collaboration and commitment toward a cohesive approach to swimming education, ultimately aiming to improve aquatic safety and competency for children across Europe.
3. Present the concept note of the ERASMUS + program to be submitted in the next call of EAC, provoking a discussion about the commitment of all partners in the process.

Main Speaker – Helgi Winther Olsen

Helgi Winther Olsen is a PhD candidate at the University of the Faroe Islands, where he teaches Physical Education in the Faculty of Education. His teaching emphasizes creating meaningful experiences that encourage lifelong participation in physical activity.

Topic

The role and potential of schools in promoting Aquatic Literacy, offering a local perspective from the Faroe Islands.

The Faroe Islands, a seafaring nation set on rocky terrain surrounded by the vast North Atlantic Ocean, is naturally tied to the water. Whether it’s venturing out to sea, visiting a lake, or enjoying one of the many public pools, water is as much a part of daily life as the frequent rain—be it a fierce storm or a gentle summer drizzle.

From a swimming education perspective, we are fortunate to have a national curriculum that includes swimming as part of physical education throughout a pupil’s entire school journey, from early school years until high school. But how do the people of the Faroe Islands swim and adapt to the islands’ aquatic environment? What experiences do we provide in schools to promote aquatic literacy? This presentation offers insights from a case study, sharing stories from the perspectives of schoolteacher educators and students.

Main Speaker – Bára Berghamar Danielsen

Bára Berghamar Danielsen is a lecturer at the University of the Faroe Islands, where she teaches Physical Education at the Faculty of Education. Her passion is advancing meaningful physical education and cultivating the joy of movement, with a focus on physical literacy and lifelong engagement in joyful, meaningful activities.

Topic

Aquatic Education for School Children: An Educational Expert Statement from the Nordic Consortium.

The particular interest lies in the intersection of aquatic education, water competence, and the historical and cultural context that influences swimming education in the Nordic Countries.

Let us explore the importance of swimming competencies in children’s physical education, and investigate how historical trends and cultural practices shape modern approaches to water safety. We will examine the disparities in swimming education across the Nordic countries and the pressing need for standardized practices. Whether you’re invested in aquatic education or the joy of aquatic activities, this presentation will provide valuable insights that can enhance our understanding of how to better prepare future Nordic generations for safe and enjoyable experiences in water.