STA is delighted to announce a new strategic partnership with Bold Waters; an internationally recognised aquatic education and community organisation committed to creating equitable access to water-based opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds.

Together, STA and Bold Waters will build clear, accessible pathways for underrepresented communities to enter the aquatic workforce, gain industry recognised qualifications, and develop long-term careers in swimming, leadership, and open-water environments.

Training the Next Generation of Community Aquatic Leaders
Through this partnership, Bold Waters and STA will work together to train up to six aquatic tutor candidates per year, with the aim of establishing a Bold Waters STA Approved Training Centre (ATC) in the future.

This model will provide Bold Waters with the flexibility to deliver swimming teacher training through its Global Flow leadership and employability programme – a structured pathway that equips young people with qualifications, confidence, and international opportunities across aquatics and education.

STA’s ATC model will also enable Bold Waters to deliver training in a cost-effective and sustainable way that aligns with shared community priorities. This approach supports sustainable growth and strengthens Bold Waters’ role as a social impact movement generating opportunities and reinvestment in local programmes.

Building Skills Beyond the Pool
As an entry point to enhance young people’s skills and confidence, Bold Waters will deliver STA’s Junior Medic programme as a standalone course for schools and youth organisations, giving participants essential lifesaving and first-aid skills that support future community delivery.

Both organisations will also collaborate to strengthen pathways into open-water coaching, reflecting their shared commitment to inclusion and nature-based education. Open-water learning is central to Bold Waters’ model and forms a key part of their leadership and wellbeing programmes.

Creating Opportunities, Breaking Barriers
Bold Waters exists to challenge inequities in swimming, water safety, and access to nature particularly for groups historically excluded from aquatic and outdoor spaces. This partnership combines accredited training, wellbeing, employability, and leadership development to create meaningful pathways into aquatic careers.

STA and Bold Waters will also explore apprenticeships through Excel Me, as well as connections through STA’s wider partner network, including IFSTA, helping young people access employment opportunities in the UK and internationally.

Inspiring Young People to Lead Change
Bold Waters’ innovative Global Flow leadership programme, which trains young people in teaching, leadership, and community engagement will be further strengthened through this partnership, building a clear progression route from participant to ambassador, to tutor, and eventually to community coach and leader.

Dave Candler, CEO of STA, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with Bold Waters. Through shared expertise and aligned values, this partnership will remove barriers, open doors, and create a more inclusive and representative aquatic workforce for the future. Bold Waters’ grassroots vision and community-driven approach align closely with STA’s commitment to broadening access and supporting people into meaningful careers in aquatics. Together, we look forward to developing confident, skilled, and community-minded tutors, teachers, and future aquatic leaders who will go on to provide opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to learn how to swim – a key life skill – in line with our charitable objectives.”

Melona Headley, Founder and CEO of Bold Waters, said: “This partnership comes at a pivotal moment for Bold Waters as we scale our work across the UK and internationally. Our mission has always been to make access to water a foundation for leadership, wellbeing, and opportunity – particularly for communities too often left out of that conversation. Partnering with STA strengthens that vision by aligning expertise, credibility, and purpose. Together we’re creating structured, accredited pathways that move people from participation to professional leadership and build the foundations for a truly inclusive and globally connected aquatic workforce.”