Why it matters
Across the UK, there is a growing shortage of qualified swimming teachers. This is limiting access to lessons, reducing opportunities for people of all ages and from all backgrounds to learn vital water safety skills, and placing increased pressure on the existing workforce.
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in children, with hundreds of lives lost each year across the UK.
Without action, this gap will continue to widen.
- Accidental drowning deaths amongst children have doubled since 2019-20.
- Tragically, a total of 125 children have accidentally lost their lives to drowning in the last four years.
- Almost 3,000 families have been impacted by fatal accidents in water over the past 10 years.
What is The Ripple Effect?
Launched in April 2026, The Ripple Effect is STA’s long-term charitable initiative designed to remove financial barriers into swimming teaching and strengthen access to swimming and water safety education across the UK.
Building on the success of STA’s STAnd Up for Swimming bursary campaign, The Ripple Effect supports more people into the profession – creating ripple effects that extend far beyond the pool.
At its heart is a simple principle:
When you train a swimming teacher, you change thousands of lives.
How The Ripple Effect works
Step One
Funds are raised
Donations and partner contributions are collected into a dedicated fund.
Step Two
Bursaries are awarded
A ring-fenced bursary fund supports individuals to access training.
Step Three
Teachers are trained
Learners complete STA’s Level 2 Swimming Teacher Qualification (including SCQF Level 7 in Scotland), strengthening the workforce.
Building confident, work-ready teachers
The Ripple Effect bursary fund supports learners through STA’s CIMSPA-endorsed swimming teaching qualification, designed to ensure they develop the skills, confidence and competence to deliver safe, inclusive and effective lessons across the learn to swim pathway.
With a strong emphasis on practical delivery, blended learning and ongoing professional development, the qualification prepares teachers for real poolside environments from day one. Learners are then supported beyond qualification through STA membership, with access to ongoing CPD, resources and a professional community that supports long-term development and career progression.
What your donation does
Every contribution helps create opportunity and strengthen the workforce:
Support The Ripple Effect as a partner
STA welcomes support from Approved Training Centres, swim academies, leisure operators and corporate organisations.
Partners can support The Ripple Effect by:
- Making a financial contribution to the bursary fund
- Providing access to training venues
- Volunteering tutor time
- Donating fully or partially funded training places
The initiative is already supported by partners across the aquatics and wellbeing sector, alongside funding from charitable trusts.
All supporting organisations will be recognised on this web page, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening the swimming teaching workforce.
Partners will also receive a Proud Supporter badge.
Supported by organisations across the aquatics and wellbeing sector
The Ripple Effect is already supported by a growing network of partners committed to strengthening the swimming teaching workforce and expanding access to water safety education.
