Northamptonshire

Applying to be a member of the STA Ambassador team is something I have considered for several years – previous timing hasn’t been quite right, but I now feel I have the time and space to commit fully to the process. Promoting the STA brand is something I do naturally within my local community, for my swim company and those wishing to explore teaching; overseas, the STA logo is showcased on my conference and tutoring presentations to show where my roots are firmly planted and to enhance international understanding of the professional organisation I am proudly linked to. Throughout my career in teaching, I have needed to call upon the help of the STA on several occasions – whether it has been a tutoring query, personal questions, business concerns – and each time I have been connected with someone who was willing to listen, offer help and advice, and check back in at a later stage to ensure all was well. I do not know of many organisations that offer this level of member assistance on such a personal level, especially for the small membership fee charged. I believe this is very special, and I personally value it greatly. Therefore, I think it is time to give back and share the STA love as an Ambassador – building on the excellent relationships STA creates with its members by being a point of contact to listen and help other members where possible.

West Midlands

I’ve been an associate member of the STA since 2007, and over the last two years I’ve enjoyed my role as an ambassador and thoroughly enjoyed doing Water Safety Talks to young children in a Nursery setting where a student had lost their life to drowning. This is something I’d like to do more of, in support of STA’s charitable objectives.

Facebook – aet.swimschool
Instagram – @aet_swim_school and aet_courses

Woking

I coach open water swimming in the neighbouring lakes, e.g., Heron, Shepperton, Liquid Leisure etc. and I tutor open water coaching courses for both NOWCA and The Swim Surgery.

I love being an STA Brand Ambassador so I can give back to the industry I love. The STA have been a huge support to all aquatic’s disciplines over the past few years and throughout the pandemic, so it was time to show them the support too. If anyone needs any advice or help in anyway, please don’t hesitate to ask me.

Facebook – @ComfortAquatics
Instagram – @ComfortAquatics

Cambridgeshire

As an STA Brand Ambassador, I am hoping that I will be able to continue to inspire other swimmers with disabilities to try open water swimming again this year, and that I can continue to help change people’s perceptions on what those with disabilities can achieve when they have the right support in place.

I also hope that I will be able to improve information for open water swimming coaches on being inclusive to those with disabilities, and encourage them to find more accessible swimming spots so that more people with disabilities will have access to a sport that I love and care about so much.

Fun Fact: When I first started sea swimming at age 11 or 12, I decided that it was mean to eat fish because I was now swimming with them, since that day I haven’t eaten fish.

Facebook – @SEadaptiveathlete

Kent

I’m a strong believer that swimming should be there for everyone, for any ability/age; and as a provider as a coach and athlete, I really want to help support the STA with ongoing support and learning. STA has helped me and I love the honour of being an Ambassador.

Essex

I have always been very passionate about lifesaving and first aid and have been since first qualifying as a lifeguard over 30 years ago. I am currently working for Virgin Active as a lead tutor and IQA (also our ATC Co-Ordinator) and am currently completing my train the tutor status with STA for lifesaving and first aid. I love the STA and I feel I have lots to offer as an Ambassador. I want to continue to help promote the STA lifesaving and first aid qualifications and help inform other operators.

Kent

I am excited to be an STA Brand Ambassador position; it’s a role that perfectly aligns with my extensive experience and passion for swimming. With 22 years as a qualified swimming teacher, 20 years as a coach, Triathlon coach, open water tutor and Parent and Baby teacher, along with a robust background in open water swimming, I am eager to contribute to the promotion of water safety and community building in our swimming family. My commitment to open water swimming is exemplified by the creation of TriSwim, a community that welcomes 3000 members each year and 500 new swimmers each year to the open water environment. Additionally, I authored a CPD for STA focused on safety in cold water swimming, showcasing my dedication to ensuring the well-being of swimmers. As one of only 35 Swim Smooth coaches worldwide, I bring a unique perspective and expertise to the role. Beyond technique, I am deeply invested in creating support networks for mental health within the open water swimming community, recognizing the holistic benefits of the sport and combining it with my Masters in Applied Sport Science to create a science-backed, yet means tested approach to support and nurture in swimming. Collaborating with Bear Grylls has provided me with invaluable insights into promoting safe swimming practices at festivals and within the Bear Grylls Survival Academy. This experience has reinforced the importance of safety, resilience, and community in open water environments. Swimming is not just a career for me; it’s a passion that I want to share.

Dorset

I see the STA Brand Ambassador role as important because we all need someone to talk to, whether for advice, support, guidance or just a listening ear when things don’t go well. Within the Ambassador role I see myself as a conduit to help all tutors give their best and help them to access sources of information. To help tutors and assessors to keep all the standards set by the regulators and STA. Hopefully to be there when they need me and easy to approach.

Finally, to help as many people as possible to access the aquatic environment be they swimmer, tutor, or assessor.

Scotland

Being based in the Scottish Highlands I have a unique take on the aquatics industry and more specifically open water swimming. In my current role as an STA Aquatics Tutor, I already fully champion the STA’s values and ethos and I’m now looking forward to another year as an Ambassador, sharing more new ideas and potentially educational webinars for members.

Instagram – @beyondthewater_uk