Tonight, the Prime Minister has confirmed the news we were all dreading in England (and earlier by the First Minister of Scotland), but were sadly expecting about new lockdown measures.
As we’ve all seen from the stark figures, this new strain of the virus trumps anything we might think personally or professionally, and over the next few weeks we must do everything we can to protect lives and stay safe.
But there is good news – unlike previous lock-downs, there is hope this time around with the vaccines on their way, and this should give us all real optimism for 2021 and the future.
As per my New Year’s Day statement, we do fully understand and appreciate that it is really tough for everyone at the moment, but we have to try and stay strong, and support each other for a little while longer.
As always, STA will continue to support you as best we can through these most difficult of times. For all the latest information, please also refer to our dedicated guidance page.
STA CEO
Dave Candler FCIMSPA (Ch)
Dave Candler is Chief Executive Officer of the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA), a national governing body for swimming and registered charity dedicated to the teaching of swimming, lifesaving and survival skills. He has led STA since 2016, representing more than 20,000 swimming teachers and aquatic professionals across the UK, and also serves as CEO of the International Federation of Swimming Teachers’ Associations (IFSTA), representing member organisations across 22 countries worldwide.
With more than 30 years’ experience in swimming teaching, leisure management and workforce development, Dave is a passionate advocate for swimming and water safety. School swimming is a particular area of focus, and he has consistently championed the need for every child to leave primary school with essential swimming and water safety skills, while highlighting inequalities in provision and the need for greater collaboration across education, government, leisure and aquatics.
A Chartered Manager Fellow with CIMSPA and a member of the Swimming Alliance Steering Group, Dave continues to bring hands-on experience to his leadership. A senior STA Tutor who has trained hundreds of swimming teachers, he has recently returned to poolside coaching at his local swimming club and is also a keen open water swimmer.
