The collaboration includes the launch of the CoursePro Learn to Swim Fund, a new initiative focused on widening access to swimming lessons across the UK and Ireland, particularly for those who may otherwise face financial barriers to participation.

As a national governing body for swimming, STA works across a broad network of swim schools, leisure operators and training partners, helping to deliver high-quality teaching and promote safe participation in aquatic activity. Through this initiative, STA will work alongside CoursePro and its network of swim schools and leisure operators to support the delivery of funded and subsidised lessons.

The CoursePro Learn to Swim Fund responds to a growing need to ensure that access to swimming is not limited by cost. By supporting more individuals at the start of their learn to swim journey, the initiative aims to encourage greater participation and long-term engagement in the water.

Dave Candler, CEO of STA, said: “As an educational charity and a national governing body for swimming, STA is committed to improving access to swimming lessons and ensuring more people, of all ages and abilities, and from all backgrounds, can benefit from learning this key life skill.

We are delighted to be chosen as CoursePro’s Charity Partner of the Year, and to be working together on the CoursePro Learn to Swim Fund. This is a positive and practical initiative that directly supports our aim, helping to reduce financial barriers and extend opportunities to those who may otherwise miss out.

It also reflects a collective commitment to increasing participation and supporting the long-term sustainability of the sector.”

Kris Baughan and Lauren Cunliffe, who are leading the initiative at CoursePro, added: “We wanted to find a way to contribute more meaningfully to the industry beyond our technology. Access to swimming is becoming increasingly unequal, and this initiative allows us to work alongside STA and our customers to help reduce some of those barriers.

By supporting more people into lessons, we hope to play a small part in improving access and encouraging long-term participation in swimming.”

The initiative will also complement STA’s wider charitable work, including the recently launched Ripple Effect campaign, which focuses on creating new pathways into swimming teaching and addressing workforce shortages.

Find out more about the CoursePro Learn to Swim Fund.

CoursePro are also on the STA Podcast today, listen in here