Every Child A Swimmer (ECAS), the nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all children have access to life-saving swimming lessons, will be represented at aquanale 2025, the international trade fair for sauna, pool, spa, and wellness, held in Cologne from October 28th to  31st, 2025.

Dr Bill Kent to highlight global swim safety initiatives

With the support of the Bundesverband Schwimmbad & Wellness e.V. (BSW), Dr Bill Kent will present, on Tuesday, October 28th 5 pm to 5.30 pm, the mission, successes, and global benefits of Every Child A Swimmer to an international audience. 

Every Child A Swimmer was founded on the belief that swimming is not a privilege but a right. Around the world, countless children grow up without learning how to swim due to financial constraints, lack of access, or insufficient community support. Tragically, drowning remains one of the leading causes of preventable death among children. ECAS works to break down these barriers by offering scholarships for lessons, advocating for legislation, and developing educational tools for parents, schools, and swimmers. 

To date, the organisation has helped thousands of children gain access to swimming lessons and has supported legislative changes in the United States that embed swim education into public policy. By securing sustainable funding and raising awareness, ECAS has demonstrated how community partnerships and government action can create lasting change. Resources such as swim lesson finders, safety guides, and grant-writing support further extend its impact. 

At aquanale 2025, Dr Bill Kent will lead a session titled "Creating Awareness of the Worldwide Drowning Problem." His presentation will highlight the scale of the drowning problem, evidence of what works, and how proven models from the U.S. can inspire similar action in Europe. He will also share strategies for how the pool and wellness industry can play a direct role in promoting swim education through partnerships and advocacy. 

Every child deserves the chance to learn to swim--whether for safety, health, or confidence,

said Dr Bill Kent. "At Every Child A Swimmer, we believe no barrier should prevent access to this essential skill. We are proud to share our work at aquanale and to inspire collaboration across borders." 

BSW is supporting this initiative, recognising the importance of international cooperation in water safety. "Swim safety and wellness are fundamental to our industry's mission," said a BSW spokesperson. "Hosting Every Child A Swimmer at aquanale highlights the need for global solutions to a global challenge." 

aquanale 2025 will provide the ideal setting to showcase how the wellness and pool industry can help shape safer communities. By bringing together international experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, the event will highlight not only innovation in facilities and technology but also the industry's broader responsibility toward public health and child safety.