European Aquatics launches first-ever Level 1 Swimming Coaches’ Course

European Aquatics has confirmed the launch of its first-ever Level 1 Swimming Coaches’ Course, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s long-term strategy to strengthen coach education and create a consistent certification framework across Europe.

The new course is aligned with the coach certification rules approved at the most recent Bureau meeting in Lublin and responds to growing demand from National Federations for a clear, European-wide entry point into coaching qualifications. To date, approximately 30 National Federations have already requested formal recognition of the certification process, with those yet to do so able to apply for recognition up until 2027. Click here for more information on the process.

Commissioned by the Kosovo National Federation, the Level 1 course has been developed in close cooperation with Special Olympics Europe–Eurasia. As a result, the programme will also provide a certification pathway for Special Olympics swimming coaches, underlining European Aquatics’ commitment to inclusive coach development and equal access to high-quality education.

The course will be delivered through a blended format, combining online learning in January 2026 with in-person sessions scheduled for February 2026. This structure is designed to balance accessibility with practical, hands-on coaching experience, ensuring participants can apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world environment.

Targeted at entry-level coaches, the Level 1 programme focuses on building strong foundations in swimming coaching. The curriculum covers essential sport science principles, including basic anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and psychology, alongside core coaching competencies such as stroke fundamentals, starts and turns, session planning, long-term athlete development and safe training practices. Governance, ethics and safeguarding are also integral components, reflecting the responsibilities coaches hold within aquatic sport.

In parallel with the course launch, European Aquatics has opened its processes for Recognition of Previous Learning and Recognition of Previous Awarding. This allows individual coaches with existing qualifications or experience to have their learning formally recognised within the new European Aquatics framework, further supporting mobility and consistency across national systems.

The introduction of the Level 1 Swimming Coaches’ Course represents a key step in harmonising coach education across Europe, offering National Federations a shared reference point for beginner coaching qualifications and establishing a clear pathway for future development. As European Aquatics continues to expand its educational initiatives, the programme is expected to play an important role in raising coaching standards and supporting the sustainable growth of swimming throughout the continent.

Following this course in swimming EA will launch also for all aquatic discipline similar courses in the first half of 2026.

Stephen Stanley for European Aquatics

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