Rationale
GetWet – Responsible Outdoor Use of Trails across Europe
Man has a strong affinity with water as it is the very basis of life on this planet. Recreational use of water has a long history across the EU and there is now evidence as to the mental well-being effects of activity adjacent to and in water environments. Within Europe, we have extensive lakes, coast lines and rivers many of which make excellent sports arenas to get people active and can therefore help to meet EU targets for Health Enhancing Physical Activity.
However, to engage in water recreation activities often requires specialist equipment, knowledge for personal safety, access to water environments, sufficient knowledge and skill for the activity itself and information on opportunities to avail of such things. This project sought to join up the approach from a range of sports and activities to provide clearer information and enhanced opportunities in the lead up to and throughout the European Week of Sport.
Objectives
1. To arrange a series of taster and try it events throughout the summer season of 2016 to engage new participants with a range of 10 water based sports. The programme of activities took place through delivery organisations such as clubs and activity providers in the 5 partner nations.
2. To create follow up flotilla events were organised for those who had initial taster sessions during European Week of Sport in high profile areas of coastline or waterways adjacent to urban populations to maximise the media attention being given to them. This significantly raised the profile of water based sports and provided a mechanism to engage the new participants further.
3. To provide twenty five coaches or leaders who supported the initial taster sessions in each country with the opportunity to travel to a different flotilla event in another region. This provided both an incentive for supporting the project and the opportunity for learning about another region among those who are strategically placed to continue to develop sport.
4. To critically examine the successes and challenges of getting people engaged in water sports and to disseminate knowledge and best practice through the ENOS network to support increasing participation in water based sports. This was done through surveys of participants and organisations and the production of a toolkit for best practice.
5. To deliver a final event was held in Brussels to engage the political element and to showcase the toolkit.
Outcomes
There were 4 meetings of the project partners in Finland, Spain, Portugal and N. Ireland. A further seminar was held in Brussels.
5468 participants engaged with the clubs and providers in the initial taster events which was 228% more than targeted!
90.5% of participants (4948 participants) indicated that they are likely or very likely to continue with watersports having tried the activity through the project.
81% of the participants who responded to the survey had never heard of the European Week of Sport prior to engaging with the programme. This equates to over 4400 of the new participants in the taster events.
A total of 2160 participants engaged in the flotilla events during European Week of Sport on 2016 which was 124% higher than the numbers that were projected and targeted. A video captures the highlights of one of these events in Northern Ireland
Between all the events there were 7628 participant opportunities created. The toolkit provides a wealth of information and knowledge that can be used by a range of organisations from clubs to national federations and from local to regional and national governmental organisations. It provides detailed advice on the development and strategic management of watersports with specific chapters on:
- Making the case for watersports
- Managing successful watersports events
- Communication
- Risk management
- Working with disabled people
- Women and watersports
- Sustainability in watersports
The toolkit also provides a number of case studies that show successful projects and examples in each of the partner countries. Finally it also provides templates for press releases, event management plans and risk management.
Project Toolkit
Partners
1. Sport Northern Ireland (UK) – Lead partner
2. Suomen Latu (Finland)
3. Waterways Ireland (Ireland)
4. INEFC (Spain)
5. Surf Club (or Municipality of) Viana (Portugal)
6. National Sports Academy (Bulgaria)
Impact
The project has facilitated federations from a range of sports working together in the promotion of watersports rather than competitively against each other.
The survey highlighted the power of word of mouth, local engagement and social media by clubs and so there is advice and guidance for clubs in the toolkit as to how to engage and retain new participants in their programmes, An infographic highlights the results of the survey.
The project was given both “Good Practice” and “A Success story” status by the European Commission.
The project created a very strong and recognisable brand and logo which was used by all the clubs and providers throughout their programmes and events. Banners, beach flags and t-shirts were produced to ensure that the brand was highly visible at events.
