STA is proud to announce a new partnership with the Andrew Simpson Foundation (ASF) to support its Swim Free programme. Funded by Greenwich Hospital, Swim Free provides free swimming lessons to children and young adults, from serving Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary families, as well as training opportunities to the non-serving partner.

As part of this collaboration, ASF has become an STA Approved Training Centre (ATC) and will be training one of its team members to become a STA Aquatic Tutor. This development will enable the charity to deliver STA’s swimming teacher qualifications in-house, ensuring long-term sustainability for the programme and creating new opportunities for professional development and employment within the communities it serves.

By investing in its own training capacity, the ASF will be able to deliver more Swim Free lessons. The charity also plans to utilise STA’s Aquatic Helper certificate to support young adults – creating a clear, inclusive pathway for them to progress into teaching in the future when they turn sixteen.

Josh Atherton, Development Manager at the Andrew Simpson Foundation, said: “Becoming an STA Approved Training Centre and training our own Aquatic Tutor is a positive step forward for the Swim Free programme. It gives us the ability to upskill our team, create sustainable employment opportunities, and most importantly, expand access to free swimming lessons for children and young people in serving Royal Navy families. This partnership ensures we can continue to make a lasting impact in the years to come.”

Dave Candler, STA CEO, added: “We’re delighted to welcome the Andrew Simpson Foundation as an STA Approved Training Centre. Their Swim Free programme embodies everything STA stands for – removing barriers to swimming, improving access to water safety education, and creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to learn, teach, and grow. It’s a fantastic example of how training, community, and purpose can come together to make a real difference.”

Through this partnership, STA and ASF are working hand in hand to support Swim Free’s goal: building life skills and confidence through swimming qualifications, while bringing serving Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary families together.

Learn more about the Swim Free programme at swim-free.org.uk