Project Description
The Kassel Wave (Experience, Learn, Live, and Preserve Water) is a flagship project of the City of Kassel and the University of Kassel, carried out in close collaboration with all elementary schools in Kassel. At the heart of the project is a one-week intensive swimming program in which every second-grade student will participate between 2026 and 2029.
Project Team
The “Kasseler Welle – W.E.L.L.E. 2026” is supported by a broad-based network. The lead organizations are the City of Kassel’s Office for Schools and Education and the Institute for Sports and Sports Science at the University of Kassel, which are jointly responsible for the overall educational and scientific concept.
Information for Parents
This school year, all second-grade classes will participate in the “Kasseler Welle” swimming project week at the Auebad so that every child in Kassel can learn the basics of safe swimming. On five consecutive days, your child will receive ninety minutes of hands-on instruction in the water each day, practicing gliding, floating, breathing, surfacing, jumping, and basic swimming strokes. In addition, short theory sessions will explain how dangerous situations arise, what swimming rules apply, and what simple self-rescue and rescue techniques every child should know.
Become part of the Kassel Wave
Whether you’re a company, an organization, a foundation, or a dedicated individual—your support makes all the difference. Help ensure that every elementary school child in Kassel learns to swim safely, builds water literacy, and develops a love for being active in the water.
Information for Teachers
Here you will find all the materials and information for teachers at schools participating in the “Kasseler Welle” project.
Presentations, Publications, and Other Materials
Here you will find a small selection of our presentations, publications, and supporting materials.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and supporters
With the official launch of the project website “Kasseler Welle – Experience Water, Learn, and Preserve Life,” we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, supporters, and partners. Your support is what enables us to teach children in Kassel safe, inclusive, and scientifically sound swimming and water skills. Your commitment makes it possible for every child—regardless of social background, gender, or individual circumstances—to have the opportunity to move safely in the water and learn life-saving skills. “Kasseler Welle” thrives on the shared vision of the University of Kassel, the city, schools, and private supporters. Together, we are setting an example for educational equity, prevention, and sustainable health promotion. We recognize your visibility on this website and across our communication channels as an important contribution to an initiative that aims to have an impact far beyond Kassel. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and to launching the next wave together with you.
The project is funded by UniKasselTransfer/Service-Learning.