press release: Swimming Teachers' Association (STA)
STA launches The Ripple Effect charity initiative to strengthen UK swimming teacher workforce
A long-term charitable commitment to training the next generation of swimming teachers
Today STA is launching ‘The Ripple Effect’, a new long-term charitable initiative designed to remove financial barriers into swimming teaching and strengthen access to swimming and water-safety education across the UK.
This new initiative places workforce development at the heart of improving access to swimming lessons - recognising that learning to swim starts with having skilled, qualified teachers on poolside.
The launch comes at a time when the UK continues to face a significant national shortage of qualified swimming teachers, limiting lesson availability and contributing to long waiting lists in many communities.
The Ripple Effect is a non-time-limited initiative, allowing funding, partnerships and impact to grow over time. At its core is a simple principle: when you train a swimming teacher, you change thousands of lives.
The charitable initiative is intrinsically linked to STA’s new Level 2 Swimming Teacher Qualification and, in Scotland, the STA Swimming Teacher at SCQF Level 7 qualification accredited by Qualifications Scotland Accreditation.
Developed to support the next generation of swimming teachers, the employer-informed, CIMSPA-endorsed programme has been designed to ensure learners build the skills, confidence and competence required to deliver safe, inclusive and effective lessons across the full learn to swim pathway.
As with STA’s wider qualification approach, the programme places a strong emphasis on practical delivery, supported by structured learning, blended learning options and ongoing professional development - helping to build confident, capable and work-ready teachers.
Funds raised through The Ripple Effect will be pooled into a ring-fenced bursary fund, supported by a combination of public donations, fundraising bids, commercial partnerships, everyday giving initiatives and additional financial contributions from STA.
Dave Candler, CEO of STA, said: “Swimming is a life skill, but far too many children and families are still facing barriers to accessing lessons - not because the demand isn’t there, but because the workforce capacity isn’t.
"Through our STAnd Up for Swimming campaign, we saw first-hand the impact that targeted bursary support can have in helping people enter the profession. The Ripple Effect builds on that success, creating a sustainable, long-term approach to developing the swimming teacher workforce.
"By investing in people, we are investing in the thousands of learners they will go on to teach - creating a ripple effect that strengthens water safety, confidence and opportunity in communities across the UK.”
Sector-wide support from ATCs and partners
STA is inviting the aquatics sector to play an active role in supporting the Ripple Effect. STA Approved Training Centres (ATCs), Swim Academies and Swim Stars can pledge support by offering access to venues and or volunteering tutor time, while corporate partners can contribute through financial donations.
The Ripple Effect has already secured early support from partners across the aquatics and wellbeing sector, including Get More Vits, Seascooter and Course Pro, demonstrating a shared commitment to investing in the next generation of swimming teachers.
STA has also secured regional funding from regional trusts and charities, with the first courses already being planned in Coventry, as part of the funding agreement.
Under The Ripple Effect name, and through its partnership with SEN Swimming UK, STA will also work to improve access to swimming lessons for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. This will include supporting more teachers to gain specialist training, alongside developing practical resources and guidance to help families find suitable swimming provision.
All supporting organisations will be recognised through a dedicated Ripple Effect Supporters Page, featuring partner logos and acknowledgements to highlight the collective commitment to strengthening the swimming teaching workforce.
To support participation, STA will provide partners with a free digital supporter badge.
Everyday ways to contribute
STA has introduced new everyday giving opportunities, including easyfundraising, enabling supporters to raise donations through their normal online shopping at no additional cost.
The Ripple Effect is designed to grow organically, releasing bursaries as funding allows and creating a continuous cycle of opportunity, training and community benefit.
For further information on pledging support or becoming a funding partner, please visit https://www.sta.co.uk/news/2026/04/20/sta-launches-the-ripple-effect-charity-initiative-to-strengthen-uk-swimming-teacher-workforce/
Zoe Cooper, commercial director
Kayle Brightwell, director of education
Brett Preston, director of digital services
Stuart Tanfield, finance director
Its qualifications and memberships support individual swimming teachers, schools and organisations delivering aquatic programmes.
There will be a continued focus on expanding CPD provision with specialist partners, enhancing digital learning and improving accessibility to training.
STA will also progress charity initiatives to support recruitment within the aquatic workforce, including bursary programmes and outreach activity, while strengthening its work in inclusion, disability swimming and community engagement.
– Andrew Clark, national sport & aquatics manager, GLL
– Stuart Dickinson, quality development and apprenticeship manager, Virgin Active
– Kelly Gaffney, head of people and culture, swim@
