There are many hazards in aquatic environments, be it natural bodies of water, pools, spas or industries, in which people may become ill or injured and require first aid. To address the unique needs and competencies of aquatic environments, the International Journal of First Aid Education invites authors to submit papers in a new and recurring series. This series is in partnership with the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education.

Aquatic incidents require prompt first aid behaviors, as outlined in the Chain of Survival Behaviors and the Drowning Chain of Survival. Safety and first aid education in the aquatics environment are vital in mitigating preventable deaths, reducing suffering, and supporting recovery for all who live, work, play or exercise around water. This education process starts with the notion of preparedness and prevention messages for emergency response, public safety practices, and risk awareness. To make appropriate and effective decisions around water safety, stakeholders need up-to-date, widely available, and evidence-based information, including examples, case studies, and outcomes of initiatives internationally and locally.

Evidence-based research is particularly needed to support first aid education programs delivered to rescuers with a duty to respond (e.g., lifeguards and first responders) and the lay public. Understanding how and when to effectively teach or practice these lifesaving skills is crucial for improving outcomes in aquatic emergencies.

This series aims to sustain an exploration of the diverse aspects of water safety, including the management of water-related injuries, education of rescuers and the lay public, and the development of safety equipment and protocols across differing levels of training and scopes of practice and contexts.

We seek submissions that address this important humanitarian issue, including the methodologies and timing of first aid training for aquatic contexts. Authors are encouraged to submit empirical research​, literature or curriculum reviews,​ reflections from the field, and practice examples. Suggestions for authors are outlined below and are aligned to the IJFAE Chain of Survival Behaviors; however, these are non-restrictive, and discussion with the editorial team is encouraged for support.