Meeting Aquatic Pioneers at WADC 2025

Every second year, the World Aquatic Development Conference (WADC) takes place in Lund, gathering experts, enthusiasts, and pioneers from around the globe to celebrate and discuss advancements in aquatics.

While visiting the poster section of the conference, which took place from 9 to 12 January, I had the privilege of meeting two inspiring persons: Andrea Andrews, a director of The Lifesaving Foundation in Ireland and passionate advocate for safe swimming, and Torill Hindmarch, a pioneer in baby swimming.

While visiting the poster section of the conference, which took place from 9 to 12 January, I had the privilege of meeting two inspiring individuals: Andrea Andrews, a director of The Lifesaving Foundation in Ireland and a passionate advocate for safe swimming, and Torill Hindmarch, a pioneer in baby swimming. Both Andrea and Torill had made insightful contributions to the poster section.

Torill has revolutionized baby swimming through her decades of work rooted in play-based learning and child-centered methods. Her teaching philosophy encourages even the youngest swimmers to engage with water in a safe, joyful, and developmentally appropriate way. As a long-standing advocate for early aquatic education, she has helped shape national swimming programs and inspired countless educators and parents to approach baby swimming with a gentle and empowering focus.

The conference also featured world-class speakers, including Greg Louganis, the legendary diver often regarded as one of the greatest in history. Though I didn’t attend his talk, he is known for sharing fascinating insights into techniques such as “hearing the board,” a skill that demonstrates the precision and mindfulness required to perfect a dive.

It’s a space where innovation meets tradition, where pioneers in baby swimming meet elite expertise, and where the universal language of water continues to inspire and unite people worldwide.