Kent

I am proud to be an STA tutor and as an STA Brand Ambassador I’m looking forward to contributing more to the growing community of tutors. I enjoy providing support to probationary tutors and have done this whenever I’ve been able to. I try to give useful and constructive feedback to help prepare them for their careers and I feel this transfers well to a role as an ambassador, as I will be able to help and support other STA members with their queries.

I feel proud when I’m able to give advice or encouragement to others who are looking to expand in the industry. I have encouraged other tutors to open ATCs and encouraged teachers to expand their offerings so that more teachers are available to teach more children how to swim. I feel strongly about drowning prevention, and the heart of everything I do is the hope that less people will accidentally drown if we can teach them a life skill and educate them on the dangers of swimming.

Woking

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

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.

Scotland

I started out as a lifeguard just over 8 years ago now, and in that time have gone through most of the STA qualifications as a learner myself, before progressing on to be a tutor too. As an Ambassador I will happily share this unique experience to guide learners and newer tutors.

As a tutor in Lifesaving, First Aid, Aquatics and Disability, I can answer any queries and support any members might have in any of these disciplines, as well as the expected IQA or EQA processes as I have been part of these on numerous occasions as a tutor, assessor or both. I know personally I used to always be a bit worried and stressed about IQA/EQA visits and making sure I had everything; however, with experience I now know that these processes are entirely supportive and are only a positive for ensuring processes/standards are consistent throughout the individual ATC, and between ATCs. As a STA Brand Ambassador, I will be continuing to share my experiences and in turn help others.

Kent/East Sussex

Being an STA Brand Ambassador is not only a privilege, it’s also woven into who I am. I am a water and blue space advocate and am thrilled to share my knowledge and passion with others. I am inspired by so many aquatic professionals and hope to be able to inspire others to get out there and be the best watery person they can be.

I would also like to motivate new and existing members to be aware of their impact on the climate and to get involved with local beach/river cleans, as well as keep their skills and knowledge up to date through STA courses and CPD’s.

Yorkshire

My journey began in 2008 when I started my own swim school. At this time, I was newly qualified with little experience, no contacts in the industry and no social media; it could be lonely and it took much trial, error and research to be successful.

Therefore, for me, being a Brand Ambassador for the STA means I can use my experiences to help people on their own journeys. With STA’s resources and support network, coupled with my involvement as a STA Baby and Preschool Tutor and holder of all the Aquatic disciplines, I hope to help motivate, inspire and guide those who seek it – and I’m looking forward to hosting more webinars in the new year

I have a creative and generous mind that I am keen to share.

Kent

I am excited to be an STA Brand Ambassador again; it’s a role that perfectly aligns with my extensive experience and passion for swimming. I am deeply committed to raising awareness for open water swimming and enhancing safety standards across all venues. Throughout 2024, I have taken every opportunity to promote open water swimming through various platforms. I appeared on local TV news, national and local radio/podcast broadcasts, and contributed to both national and local publications, sharing the benefits and safety aspects of open water swimming with a wide audience. I also engaged with the community directly by visiting local primary schools, Scout and Guide groups, and secondary schools to deliver assemblies and talks. Using STA’s booklets and online resources, I provided insights on safe swimming practices, environmental awareness, and physical well-being.

I am looking forward to continuing my journey as an STA Ambassador, and creating more opportunities to support and uphold STA’s values and brand.

West Midlands

I’ve been a swimming teacher for 20 years, and a tutor of all disciplines. Having run courses for so long, as an Ambassador I hope to share this experience for the benefit of others.

West Midlands

I’ve been an associate member of the STA since 2007, and over the last three years I’ve enjoyed my role as a STA Brand 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.

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.

South Africa

I have already done so much in bringing the STA in South Africa and in my new role as a STA Brand Ambassador I would love to do even more to get more teachers qualified through the STA so there is only the highest level of teaching happening. This year I won 40under40 and my swim school’ Swimmatix won Top20 for Small Business SA. We proudly represent the STA, and have been a Swim Star Swim School for 8 years.

Cambridgeshire

As an STA Brand Ambassador, I am hoping 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 continue improving information for open water swimming coaches on being inclusive to those with disabilities, and to 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.

Wiltshire

I am excited to represent STA as a Brand Ambassador because I believe their charitable objectives make a real difference to the needs of the leisure and sport industry. From a young age, I have always been passionate about swimming and as a brand ambassador I’m looking forward to helping to promote these objectives, and to provide peer-peer support for members of the STA. As a member of the STA you are made to feel as part of a wider family network, seeking guidance and counsel from other members far and wide. This in turn helps to promote the mental health of the members which leads to a greater service being provided by all.

I am thrilled to represent the STA, and to have the opportunity to give back to an organisation who has lent me so much valuable support throughout my career.

Somerton

As a Brand Ambassador now in my fourth year I have to say that I thoroughly enjoy the role. Meeting other ambassadors, sharing knowledge, and attending events like the Henley Festival allows me to meet swimmers from outside of the STA and promote the brand to them. I look forward to continuing my ambassador role.