STA is pleased to share that it has renewed its partnership with the Institute of Aquaphobia (IOA), and entered into a new exclusive agreement to broaden the reach of Aquaphobia’s online learning programs beyond the UK.

STA’s partnership with IOA first began back in 2019, and in this time hundreds of STA members have successfully trained to become Aquaphobia Angel Coaches here in the UK, and are now helping to teach many aquaphobic, weak or non-swimmers overcome their fear of water.

View Programmes Here

The extension to this agreement today, means STA has exclusivity to expand IOA’s aquaphobia resources and training even farther afield, for the benefit of international members and IFSTA partners operating in the Northern Hemisphere. This also coincides with the SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia (SWIM) also signing a similar partnership with the IOA for the Southern Hemisphere.

Mike Burman, who created IOA to help the many millions of people who are too scared to go into a swimming pool or a leisure centre due to a fear of water, says: “We are delighted to be taking our exclusive partnership with the STA to the next level. It is common knowledge in the aquatics industry, how much the association has taken leisure forward, in the UK and globally with their educational and lifesaving products, that are all really first class. We are therefore both honoured and excited to be an important part of this structure.”

“Aquaphobia is a global pandemic that has a direct correlation to water safety. Sometimes it is hard to really take on board just how many millions and millions of people fear water around the world; it is truly staggering. Our partnerships with our wonderful friends at the STA, SCTA and MSTA is just the start of tackling these issues for everyone so seriously affected by this condition.”

Dave Candler, STA’s CEO, said this collaboration marks a milestone in expanding access to resources and training aimed at addressing aquaphobia across the Northern Hemisphere with our international members and IFSTA partners.

He said: “While the IOA and STA have worked successfully together for the last five years here in the UK, this extended partnership is exciting because it will positively enhance the reach of Aquaphobia’s specialist learning programmes.

“Together, we will be able to offer online training opportunities to swimming teachers working in and outside of the UK, and give them the skills and knowledge needed to create inclusive and supportive environments; and we can, in line with our charity objectives, make a positive difference and help even more people enjoy all the benefits of the water without feeling frightened.”

View Programmes Here