Key Facts:
- SWIMCON International conference will be held in Dubai from 13-15 February 2026, supported by Australia's CAAR and DFAT
- The WHO reports 300,000 annual drowning deaths globally, with 35,000 occurring in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
- The conference aims to improve water safety education and training standards through collaboration between Australian and Middle Eastern experts
- Program includes keynote talks, teaching courses, workshops, and sessions on school programs, with focus on community impact
- Initiative builds upon SWIM Nepal model, adapting successful community-based training approaches for Gulf and Arab contexts
Australia & Middle East Partner on Water Safety Ahead of Dubai SWIMCON26
A new bilateral initiative between Australia and the Middle East will strengthen water safety education, training pathways, and community resilience, as SWIMCON International prepares to take place in Dubai from 13–15 February 2026 at the Dubai British School Jumeira. The event is supported by the Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR) grant through the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Water safety remains a significant public health challenge worldwide, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that drowning claims approximately 300,000 lives every year, with 12% percent of those drownings (35,000 deaths) from the Eastern Mediterranean Region, of which the Middle East is included. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of preventable childhood deaths in many countries. In coastal and desert nations across the Middle East, rapid urban development and increased access to aquatic environments have highlighted the need for greater access to qualified instructors and culturally responsive water safety education.
Hosted by SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia (SWIM), the conference will bring together swim coaches, teachers, educators, and community leaders from Australia, the UAE, and neighbouring countries to exchange knowledge, develop professional skills, and explore regionally tailored approaches to aquatic safety and drowning prevention.
"SWIMCON International Dubai is a milestone opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Australia and the Arab region through education, professional development, and community safety," said Brendon Ward, CEO of SWIM. "With CAAR and DFAT's support, we can work with regional partners to build capacity, lift teaching standards, and share Australian expertise in a way that is genuinely collaborative and culturally informed."
The 2026 program will feature keynote presentations, SWIM Australia teacher and coaching courses, practical workshops, and policy-focused sessions on strengthening school-based programs, training pathways, and inclusion. A highlight will be a community impact segment exploring how locally trained instructors can improve safety outcomes, employment pathways, and long-term community resilience.
The initiative builds on the successful SWIM Nepal community model, which trained local teachers in low-resource environments, created new employment opportunities, engaged local lifesaving organisations, and expanded access to water safety education. Delegates will explore how this approach can be adapted for Gulf and Arab contexts, helping regional partners respond to rising demand for aquatic programs and community-level training.
"Effective water safety education saves lives and strengthens communities," Ward said. "By sharing expertise, building trainer networks, and supporting regionally led programs, both Australia and the Middle East can advance drowning prevention, strengthen community leadership, and foster deeper people-to-people connections."
