STA is pleased to confirm that nominations and entries for the 2025 Aquatic Excellence Awards are now open!

Now in its third year, the STAr awards aim to highlight the work and achievements of those involved in delivering swimming and aquatics training over the past 12 months, in line with STA’s charitable objectives.

This year’s awards are supported by Zoggs UK, who are joining as headline sponsor for the first time.

There are 12 award categories in total, including an expanded STAr Tutor of the Year category, which has been split into three new individual, discipline-specific awards for 2025. Nominations and entries are open until Thursday 31st July 2025.

Open for Nominations:

• STAr Swimming Teacher of the Year
• STA Aquatics Tutor of the Year – NEW
• STA Lifesaving / First Aid Tutor of the Year – NEW
• STA Pool Plant Tutor of the Year – NEW
• STAr Member of the Year
• STAr Water Safety Educator of the Year

These individual awards are open for peer or self-nomination.

Open for Entries:
The following six categories are open to UK and international organisations that meet the entry criteria. Submissions can be written or video-based.

• STAr STA Swim Academy of the Year
• STAr Swim School Provider of the Year (under 500 weekly participants)
• STAr Swim School Provider of the Year (over 500 weekly participants)
• STAr Not-for-Profit Community Campaign of the Year
• STAr Approved Training Centre of the Year (under 50 courses delivered)
• STAr Approved Training Centre of the Year (50+ courses delivered)

A list of shortlisted finalists will be published in September, and winners will be announced during an informal evening event at STA’s national conference on Friday 17th October, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport.

The evening will also include presentations of the 2025 Henry Pike, Cross of Merit, and Ross Eagle awards.

Dave Candler, STA CEO, said:

“The STAr awards give us a way to acknowledge the people and organisations who are delivering quality programmes and training in swimming and aquatics. We’re looking forward to seeing this year’s entries and learning more about the different ways people are supporting learners of all ages and abilities. It’s also great to see the Tutor of the Year award expanded this year to reflect the breadth of disciplines STA delivers across aquatics, lifesaving, first aid and pool plant.”

Ali Beckman, STA President, added:

“These awards offer an important opportunity to shine a light on the dedication, innovation and impact being made across all areas of the swimming and aquatics industry. Being shortlisted or selected as a winner is not only a mark of recognition from a national governing body, but also a reflection of the high standards and good practice demonstrated within each category.”

Mark Hammersley ZOGGS VP HEAD Swimming Division, ZOGGS UK GM, the 2025 headline sponsor, shared:

“We’re pleased to be supporting STA’s Aquatic Excellence Awards for the first time. As a long-standing partner of STA, we see real value in recognising those working at the heart of learn to swim and water safety delivery, and we’re looking forward to being an integral part of this year’s event.”

Dave added: “The awards evening is an important date in our calendar – bringing together members and colleagues from across the industry to share in the successes of the past year. After a long day at conference, it’s our aim to make it a friendly and social event that gives everyone a chance to connect, reflect, and celebrate. With Zoggs joining us as headline sponsor for 2025, we’re looking forward to another memorable evening.”