WSM

Results

As a result of the project, a joint and fully structured Water Safety Methodology for young people aged 14–18 was developed, tested and prepared for implementation in Estonia and Latvia. The methodology was created through close cross-border cooperation between the Estonian lead partner Watergratt Pirita NGO and the Latvian partner Latvian Beach Lifeguard Association, with active involvement of rescue services, youth organisations and public authorities in both countries.

The methodology was tested in real training environments, including schools, summer camps and non-formal education settings. In total, over 160 young people participated directly in pilot and testing activities across Estonia and Latvia. Pre- and post-training assessments demonstrated a measurable improvement of more than 40% in water safety knowledge and risk awareness among participants, confirming the effectiveness of the approach.

The project achieved concrete uptake of results. 10 organisations confirmed adoption of the methodology for use in their preventive education activities. In Estonia, dissemination and uptake were supported through the Estonian Rescue Union (Päästeliit), which shared the methodology with its network of over 120 member organisations, including volunteer sea rescue teams. The Estonian Police and Border Guard Board and the Estonian Rescue Department distributed the methodology among staff and volunteers involved in preventive and educational work.

In Latvia, the methodology was taken into use by organisations working with youth and preventive safety, including the Latvian Beach Lifeguard Association and Jaunsardzes centrs, which independently conducted a test lesson based on the methodology. Additional dissemination took place through the State Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia, the Fire Safety and Civil Protection College and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (SAR Latvia), ensuring reach within professional and volunteer rescue networks.

The methodology was prepared in four language versions — Estonian, Latvian, Russian and English. The English version enables international use and supports further dissemination beyond the partner countries, including sharing through professional rescue and safety networks such as the International Maritime Rescue Federation.

Overall, the project delivered a concrete, tested and transferable solution that improved the quality and consistency of preventive water safety education services for young people and established a sustainable basis for continued use and scaling of results after the end of the project.