Project materials

Welcome to the WSM project materials section. In this section you can find useful materials related to the project.

Water Safety Methodology for Youth (WSM)

The WSM project has developed a joint Water Safety Methodology aimed at improving preventive water safety education for young people aged 14–18 in Estonia and Latvia. The methodology provides a practical, structured tool for organisations and professionals working in the field of water safety and prevention, supporting safer behaviour around water in everyday life.
The methodology was developed and tested through close cross-border cooperation between Estonian and Latvian partners, with input from rescue services, certified water safety professionals and organisations involved in preventive education. It has been validated in real training environments such as schools, youth camps and non-formal education settings.

What does the methodology include?

The Water Safety Methodology is designed as a modular, practice-oriented programme that can be adapted to different learning environments and organisational formats. It includes:

• Scenario-based learning focused on real-life water safety situations
• Practical exercises on recognising risks and making safer decisions near water
• Guidance on how to act in emergency situations, including helping a person in distress and responding to accidents
• Modules covering both summer and winter water environments, reflecting seasonal risks and local climate conditions
• Trainer-oriented guidance supporting work with adolescents, including non-formal education principles, group dynamics and conflict resolution

Language versions

To ensure wide accessibility and transferability, the methodology has been prepared in four language versions:

• Estonian
• Latvian
• Russian
• English

The English version was developed to support international sharing and peer exchange, allowing certified water safety professionals and organisations outside Estonia and Latvia to use and adapt the methodology. This also enables dissemination through international rescue and safety networks and supports further scaling of the project results.

Who can use the methodology?

The methodology is suitable for trainers and instructors who are professionals in water safety as well as for those working in youth education and prevention. This is especially important considering the potential risks involved during training sessions, particularly during practical activities. Trainers should be able not only to provide young people with accurate information and guidance, but also to manage safety and effectively mitigate risks. It is designed for use by professionals with relevant water safety qualifications and can be integrated into existing training and preventive education programmes.

The Water Safety Methodology is intended for:

• Organisations working professionally in water safety and rescue
• Certified trainers and instructors delivering water safety education
• Public authorities and organisations involved in preventive water safety activities

Module structure

The Water Safety Methodology consists of the following modules:

Module 1. Introduction to the Water Safety Program and Key Risk Analysis
Overview of the programme objectives, structure and key water-related risks.

Module 2. Aquatic Risk Analysis
Identification and assessment of risks related to different water environments and conditions.

Module 3. Life Saving Equipment and Assessment
Introduction to lifesaving equipment, its purpose, limitations and safe use.

Module 4. Cold Water Risks – Assessing Safety and Self-Rescue Skills
Understanding cold water hazards and developing self-rescue skills in low-temperature conditions.

Module 5. Safe Water Entry and Lifejacket Use
Safe techniques for entering water and correct use of personal flotation devices.

Module 6. Comprehensive Program Evaluation through Practical Simulation and Reflection
Scenario-based simulations, practical exercises and guided reflection on learning outcomes.

Module 7. Risks of Winter Water Bodies – Assessment of Safety and Self-Rescue Skills
Specific risks related to ice and winter water environments and actions in case of falling through ice.

Download project materials

Below you can find the Water Safety Methodology in different language versions.
All materials are available for free use by organisations and certified professionals working in preventive water safety education.

• Water Safety Methodology – Estonian version (PDF)
• Water Safety Methodology – Latvian version (PDF)
• Water Safety Methodology – Russian version (PDF)
• Water Safety Methodology – English version (PDF)