St. Petersburg, USA, June 10, 2002 --- After posting the draft document on their website for 60 days, the World Aquatic Babies Congress today announced the adoption of a code of professional behavior outlining the principles and behavior to which all aquatic educators working with young children should aspire.
The code was drafted by WABC as an outcome of the Oct. 2001 6th WABC event in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A draft copy of the code was placed on the WABC site in early April for feedback.
It is hoped that professionals will adhere to the code and also distribute it to fellow teachers.
Background information . . .
Buenos Aires, Oct. 2001 --- During the 6th WABC World Congress on Aquatic Education of Babies held Oct. 22-26 2001 it was suggested that a Code of Ethics be created.
Congress Director and long time teacher and leader baby aquatics Patricia Cirigliano of The Primera Escuela Argentina De Natacion Para Bebes in Buenos Aires made the suggestion in closing remarks to the gathering of over 500 Congress attendees from around the world.
Proposed items to be included in the code were suggested by Cirigliano and will serve as a foundation and starting point of the drafting of code according to WABC President, Steve Graves based in St. Petersburg, Florida USA.
"This Code of Ethics needs to be informative to professionals in the industry as well as to those who chose and participate in these aquatic programs." said Graves. "We must give the code considerable thought".
A preliminary draft of the code will be drawn and then circulated to leaders around the world for their suggestions Graves said. Leaders are those with much experience in conducting aquatic programs for the youngest of children and who are also connected and active in the international community.
Time required for developing a code Graves estimates as taking about 2 to 3 months - aiming for the end of March 2002 for its draft release. Final draft by June 2002.
For your information -
Code or Charter - involves professional behavior that all aquatic program directors and staff should strive for.
Guidelines - which have yet to be developed by WABC - would be more standards and best practices in aquatic programs for babies and other young children. This is more difficult in that there are a variety of 'successful' and culturally accepted goals, philosophies, and methods that may or may not be able to be included in one universal code. Countries and individual organizations and federations are encouraged to draft and adopt guidelines that are common to their group.