The 4th International Swim Schools Spectacular brought together delegates from 32 countries in Cascais, Portugal, for four inspiring days of learning, collaboration, innovation, and connection. From world-class educational sessions and networking opportunities to cultural experiences through the Tour de Portugal partnership, the event showcased the power of a united global swim school community.
A highlight of this year’s Spectacular was the presentation of the first ever inaugural ISSA Awards, recognising excellence, leadership, and innovation across the industry.
As educators, leaders, and advocates came together with a shared commitment to teaching more people to swim and creating safer communities around water, one thing became clear: this is only the beginning.
Portugal Takes Centre Stage
Beyond the conference sessions, delegates had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Portugal. Through the Turismo de Portugal support, attendees explored stunning coastal landscapes, rich history, and local traditions while creating lasting friendships and strengthening connections with aquatic professionals from across the globe.
Four Days of Learning, Connection and Inspiration
The 4th International Swim Schools Spectacular began with ISSA’s acclaimed Teacher Training Programme, delivered in partnership with AMPD Academy (RTO: 31946), bringing together swim educators and industry professionals from around the world to refine their skills and learn from leading aquatic experts.
Across several inspiring days, delegates engaged in practical workshops, in-water learning, keynote presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions focused on teaching excellence, business growth, leadership, innovation, and water safety.
The event fostered global collaboration, meaningful connections, and the exchange of ideas, while also giving delegates the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Portugal through the Tour de Portugal experiences.
A Special Thank You to Our Speakers
One of the defining strengths of the International Swim Schools Spectacular is the generosity of industry leaders in sharing their knowledge, experience, and passion with the global swim school community.
On behalf of ISSA, we extend our sincere gratitude to all speakers, presenters, and educators who contributed their time and expertise at the 4th International Swim Schools Spectacular in Portugal. Your commitment to advancing swim education, water safety, and industry excellence continues to inspire professionals worldwide.
Alongside our featured presenters, we also thank every workshop facilitator, panel speaker, teacher trainer and industry contributor who helped create an exceptional learning experience for delegates from 32 countries worldwide.
From practical poolside education and teacher training sessions to leadership discussions, business development strategies and innovative industry insights, your contributions played a vital role in making this year’s Spectacular one of the most impactful events in ISSA history.
The knowledge shared throughout the week will continue to influence swim schools, teachers and aquatic professionals long after the event has concluded, helping us collectively move closer to our mission of teaching the world to swim.
Thank you for being part of the journey, for sharing your expertise so generously and for helping shape the future of global swim education.
The First-Ever ISSA Global Awards
A defining moment of the 4th International Swim Schools Spectacular was the introduction of the first-ever ISSA Global Awards.
The awards celebrated outstanding achievements, innovation and leadership within the global swim school industry. Swim schools, educators and water safety advocates from around the world were recognised for their commitment to raising standards in learn-to-swim education and drowning prevention. The awards ceremony provided a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated professionals can have on making communities safer in and around the water.
The inaugural awards evening was one of the most memorable moments of the conference, highlighting excellence while inspiring the next generation of aquatic leaders.
ISSA Global Award Categories
The 2026 ISSA Global Awards recognised excellence across the following categories:
- The Global Impact Citation Award- Winner: AWSOM Project
- The Open-Source Excellence Award- Winner: Dolfun Swim Academy
- The Humanitarian Resilience award – Winner: Aquakidz Swim School
- The Pedagogical Pioneer citation Award – Winner: Aquaducks Swim School
- The Legacy Mentor Award- Winner: Crol Swimming Club
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners
Events of this scale are only made possible through the support of dedicated sponsors, exhibitors, and partners who share a common vision of creating safer aquatic environments worldwide. The International Swim Schools Association extends its sincere gratitude to all sponsors, exhibitors, and affiliate partners whose invaluable contributions helped make ISSS 2026 a success, empowering delegates with world-class learning opportunities, access to innovative technologies, and meaningful international collaboration, all driven by a shared commitment to advancing education, innovation, and water safety.
Special thanks also go to the event partners, exhibitors, volunteers and industry supporters who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver an exceptional experience for attendees from across the globe.
A Global Movement Continues
What began as a collaborative gathering has grown into a powerful international movement focused on advancing swim education and reducing drowning worldwide. Since its earlier editions in the Gold Coast, Singapore, and Dubai, the International Swim Schools Spectacular has continued to expand in reach and impact. The 2026 edition in Cascais reinforced the strength of the global swim school community, with delegates leaving inspired, connected, and equipped to drive meaningful change in their local communities through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence.
What Our Delegates Had to Say
Amazing event – well planned. Fantastic organisation and flow throughout. Incredibly grateful to have been able to attend. Have made special connections beautiful new friends. Returned home with new insights and knowledge. – Bev Christmass
Loved it! Congratulations! An excellent opportunity to connect with the global swim schools community. The fact the attendees were from so many different countries and backgrounds was really valuable. – Christopher Pound
Thank you for this opportunity. I met lots of people with various background and experiences, which was very inspiring. Not only for my career but I took many ideas for my personal/family life. -Romana Babindai
Together, we can teach the world to swim.
We look forward to welcoming you all once again at the next International Swim Schools Spectacular in 2028, as the journey continues and the global swim school movement grows even stronger.