Towards a Consensus on the development of the Aquatic Curricula Analysis Tool using an Ecosystem Approach: A Delphi Method

Background: Physical inactivity and drowning are two of the leading causes of death worldwide. While participation in aquatic physical activity can help reduce these public health challenges, it is crucial to equip young people with key water skills through a well-designed aquatic curriculum to protect them from drowning and engage them in the long term in aquatic physical activities. This study reports on the development of a tool to analyse aquatic curricula for 6-to-12- year-olds in Europe, addressing both aquatic health issues. Methods: Using a three-round Delphi method, 101 participants from eight European countries- including experts in teaching, organising and researching aquatic education- were asked to rate the relevance of criteria conceptualised through Bronfenbrenner's ecological model. Results: 115 criteria were retained and grouped into eight categories: (1) curriculum management, (2) drowning epidemiology, (3) timetable, (4) location and equipment, (5) staff, (6) content, (7) assessment and (8) learners. The strong consensus on most of the criteria suggests that promoting physical activity and water safety are compatible goals. Conclusion: A well-designed aquatic curriculum, rooted in each level of the ecological model and organised through a multisystemic approach, can successfully achieve both objectives. The findings provide valuable insights for the design of aquatic safety promotion policies, as well as guidance for educators and policy makers to improve teaching strategies to increase physical activity while preventing drowning accidents.