New 10-year strategic vision Access Aquatics unveiled by Swim England

Swim England has unveiled its strategic vision for the next decade as it aims to champion a healthy and successful nation through swimming.

Access Aquatics sets out the national governing body’s key priorities to remove the barriers to participation and ensure its sports and activities are ‘accessible, inclusive and safe for everyone’

It recognises the ‘chronic challenges’ facing the sector which is threatening one of the ‘nation’s greatest assets’ and how it plans to work with partners to tackle inequalities and ensure Access to Aquatics for all.

The strategy focuses Swim England’s work up until 2033 under three areas – capability, people and water.

 
Jane Nickerson, Swim England CEO, has hailed the importance of the national governing body’s new 10-year strategy, Access Aquatics:

"To be successful in any aspect of life requires a number of important characteristics.

"Commitment, aspiration, perseverance, passion, desire, determination, patience and a willingness to listen and learn in a bid to improve are just a few of the key traits which are shown by triumphant individuals and teams at all levels of sport.

"I believe all of these attributes are firmly embedded in our new 10-year strategic vision, Access Aquatics. It shows a commitment to bring positive change to one of the nation’s most popular – and important – recreational activities.

"The ability to swim is a life skill no-one should be without and which opens up the door to so many possibilities – whether that’s as a recreational swimmer wanting to use the pool for their physical or mental health or youngsters aspiring to be an Olympic champion.

"Everyone at Swim England is passionate about championing a healthy and successful nation through aquatic activity.

"We will persevere in our mission to tackle the inequalities to participation and remove the barriers which prevent too many people and communities from taking part in our wonderful sports.

Key Priority Areas

"This includes a desire to increase the number of participants from under-represented communities in our senior national teams across swimming, diving, artistic swimming and water polo.

"We are determined to ensure that everyone has great, positive experiences – and in the past, we recognise this hasn’t always been the case.

"However, we are taking action to improve by listening to our clubs, members, coaches, teachers, administrators, volunteers and parents to ensure there is a positive and welcoming culture at all levels.

"Our aspirations are clear for all to see though our three key priority areas – Capability, People and Water.

"Existing clubs, members, counties, regions, stakeholders and partners will help to bring Access Aquatics to life.

"We are delighted to unveil our new strategy which we believe will help tackle the many different challenges facing our sports over the next 10 years. A key element will be removing the barriers to participation as we aim to make aquatic activity even more safe, inclusive and accessible. We’re at the beginning of our journey but our goal is to drive meaningful change and ensure everyone has access to one of the nation’s greatest assets."

Swim England's Approach

The three strategic priorities will be underpinned by four immediate areas of action which will lay the foundations for the successful delivery of Access Aquatics.

This includes implementing Swim England’s safeguarding, welfare and culture plan, Heart of Aquatics, developing new partnerships to make its sports and activities more inclusive, upgrading its digital presence and ensuring best practices are followed in it governance systems and processes.

 
Jane Nickerson added: "Although we will need to remain patient as it will take time to achieve all of our goals, we have the desire to deliver for everyone involved in aquatics – from the recreational swimmer who relies on the pool for their mental and physical wellbeing, to our clubs and members who are devoted to our sports as well as the elite athletes bidding for Olympic glory.

"We know, though, that actions speak louder than words.

"That’s why we have identified four key areas that can make a huge impact and immediate actions which will lay the foundations to realise this vision and underpin the successful delivery of the overall strategy.

"By focusing our efforts, and working collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders, we can open up Access to Aquatics for all."

Quotes from some Swim England partners