To mark Restart a Heart Day today (16th October), STA is delighted to confirm that it will once again be partnering with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to promote the ‘Swim to the Beat’ campaign in February 2024. Registration is now live, and STA is inviting all swim schools, clubs, leisure facilities or individuals to get involved to raise vital funds for the BHF during Heart Month next year.

REGISTER HERE

All monies raised from the campaign will be used by BHF to fund vital scientific research that can save and improve the lives of people affected by heart and circulatory diseases.

Zoe Cooper, STA’s Commercial Director said: “The idea behind Swim to the Beat is to get everyone together to swim or splash to the beat, have fun and raise funds for the BHF next February. Last year when we first launched the fundraising initiative, we saw swim schools create some fantastic events, from lifeguard swimming challenges to heart-themed toddler games in the pool and raffles – the STA team also got involved in SPATEX demonstrating a variety of swim strokes including artistic and mermaid swimming in a 12ft Swimspa!”

“We think this campaign is so unique and different because everyone can get involved; from babies playing and splashing to the ‘Beat’, to swimmers of all ages ‘beating’ their best times / distance in or outside of swimming lessons, to artistic swimmers, mermaids and aquatic fitness classes dancing and jumping to the ‘Beat’. It’s far-reaching, reflecting STA’s portfolio of activities.”

“Plus, swim schools and clubs can host a ‘Swim to the Beat’ event at any time throughout February – we like the idea of Valentine’s Day, but there is no descript date, so events can be planned around your lessons and pool times.”

To get involved, all you need to do is register your swim school / club’s involvement here, and start planning your ‘Swim to the Beat’ event. To help, once you have registered, STA will send you a digital ‘Swim to the Beat’ fundraising pack, which contains lots of different ideas and a 5-step guide to hosting an event. Your local BHF contact will also be in touch to help with ideas and to provide BHF fundraising kits, banners, buckets etc.

A digital media pack has also been created by STA, which contains lots of colourful ‘Swim to the Beat’ web and social media graphics to help you promote your event to customers.

Further, each registered swim school / club will receive two BHF t-shirts for their teachers. The top 3 fundraisers at every participating swim school / club will also each receive a BHF medal. A digital certificate can also be downloaded from the media pack, for swim schools / clubs to award to all participants.

From the British Heart Foundation, James Rogers, Area Fundraising Manager, who has been working with STA on ‘Swim to the Beat’, said: “Everyone has a heart precious to someone else: a devoted mum or dad, a beloved grandparent, an irreplaceable friend. When just one heart stops, countless more are left devastated by the loss. Heart and circulatory diseases cause around a quarter of all deaths in the UK – the impact is felt by us all. And people living with these conditions continue to need our invaluable information and support.”

James confirmed: “By working together with STA and gaining the vital support needed from swim schools and clubs around the UK for ‘Swim to the Beat’, we can help create a world free from the devastation of heart and circulatory diseases.”

Dave Candler, STA’s CEO, added: “STA is delighted to be partnering with the British Heart Foundation for a second year on the ‘Swim to the Beat’ campaign. Both charities share a common aim of saving lives through education and awareness, so it is fantastic that we can collaborate again on this fundraising campaign. By combining our resources and skillsets, we’ve created a really fun campaign that learners of all ages and abilities can take part in – all while helping to raise awareness and funds for the British Heart Foundation.”