SWIMCON International events develop water safety and education in Nepal and Hong Kong

April 24, 2025

Joanne Efendi

Aquatics / Education / Safety /

Led by a team of six from SWIM Coaches and Teachers Australia (SWIM), SWIMCON International has successfully delivered a two-week program of water safety and training events in Nepal and Hong Kong.

The programs, running from 6th to 8th March in Nepal and 13th to 16th March, mark a significant step forward for water safety and swimming education across the Asia-Pacific region.

The first leg of the journey took place at the Lincoln School in Kathmandu, where 75 delegates from surrounding countries gathered for SWIMCON International Nepal. The event brought together passionate educators, pool lifeguards, and water safety advocates working to improve aquatic environments and reduce drowning rates.

Delegates participated in panel discussions, workshops, and practical sessions, exchanging knowledge on how best to address the challenges faced in aquatic environments in the area.

SWIM’s partnership with the Global Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Rotary Club (GWSDPRC) proved pivotal in Nepal. Their joint effort-SWIM Nepal Project-to support water safety initiatives and advocate for global action was instrumental in ensuring that high-risk communities receive the training, resources, and support they need for drowning prevention and advocacy.

The urgency of the initiative was underscored by the stark reality that many communities in Nepal live near rivers and lakes, yet have limited access to structured swimming or water safety programs. The SWIM Nepal Project provided 16 individuals with sponsorships across 20 training courses, including the SWIM International Pool Lifeguard and International SWIM Australia Teacher of Water Safety certifications.

While there, SWIM also collaborated with the Nepal Lifesaving Association and Bhagabati Sedian PhD, Nepal’s leading researcher on drowning prevention, to discuss sustainable strategies for reducing drowning rates

SWIM Chief Executive, Brendon Ward explained “we’re proud to work alongside Nepal’s leading researchers, organisations, and international partners like Rotary to strengthen drowning prevention efforts.

“Change doesn’t happen overnight, but together, we are building a future where every child and adult has the knowledge and skills to stay safe around water.”

Their findings highlighted the critical need for structured water safety programs, improved community education, and stronger government policies. This collaboration was instrumental in laying the foundation for a safer aquatic future in Nepal.

Ward noted "access to quality water safety education can mean the difference between life and death.

"By empowering local leaders with internationally recognised training, we’re not just teaching skills - we’re creating a ripple effect that will save lives for generations to come.

“These newly certified professionals from the SWIM Nepal Project will play a pivotal role in expanding lifesaving knowledge throughout Nepal, where drowning remains a serious but often overlooked issue.”

Volunteer lifeguards and swim teachers from Australia, Tom Toner, Leanne Armstrong and Davina Wirth also made the trip to Kathmandu to assist in delivering water safety education.

Meanwhile, SWIMCON International Hong Kong 2025 took place at the Hong Kong International School Tai Tam and Repulse Bay campuses, welcoming 96 delegates from China, Singapore, Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia.

Over four days, the focus shifted to coaching and teaching education, offering an immersive experience for those passionate about delivering high-quality aquatic education across the region.

Participants explored the latest coaching techniques, skill development strategies, and emerging trends in swim instruction. The event also provided a platform for industry professionals to share insights on inclusive teaching strategies, fostering water confidence, and emerging technology to assist coaches in achieving the best for their athletes.

Reflecting on the success of the Hong Kong event, Ward commented "SWIMCON International Hong Kong 2025 has been an incredible gathering of passionate professionals dedicated to the future of aquatic education. The knowledge shared and connections made here will have a lasting impact on the development of swimming across the Asia-Pacific region."

A major highlight of SWIMCON International Hong Kong was the emphasis on aquatic education and leadership. By uniting professionals from various countries, the event fostered cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration, strengthening the foundation of aquatic education in the region. Delegates had the chance to learn from leading coaches, while also taking part in practical workshops that honed both their coaching skills and leadership abilities.

As SWIMCON Nepal and Hong Kong 2025 concluded, the energy and passion from these events will continue to drive change across both nations. With ongoing support and training, these events have laid the groundwork for a safer aquatic future in both Nepal and Hong Kong.

Ward added “the SWIM Nepal Project and the lessons shared at SWIMCON Hong Kong are more than just training initiatives - they are long-term commitments to ensuring communities worldwide have access to essential water safety education.

“The momentum of these events is just the beginning. With SWIM’s unwavering dedication to water safety and education, we can only hope the ripple effect from Nepal and Hong Kong will continue to spread across the globe, saving lives and creating safer aquatic environments for generations to come,” concluded Ward.

SWIM extended its thank to all the speakers, sponsors - FINIS Asia, RocketScience, Jaked and T-Apex Resistance Training, and attendees for making the events a success.

Further announcements on future SWIMCON International events will be made in the near future.

SWIM Chief Executive Brendon Ward is interviewed in the March/April 2025 issue (#167) of Australasian Leisure Management.

Subscribers and members of Australasian Leisure Management’s partner organisations will receive this issue of the publication in the mail. Subscribers can click here to view this issue online.

Images show highlights from the SWIMCON International programs in Nepal and Hong Kong.

About the author

Joanne Efendi

Project & Events Officer, SWIM Coaches and Teachers Australia.

Joanne Efendi is Project & Events Officer at SWIM Coaches and Teachers Australia.

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