Andy Salmon elected Chair of the Swimming Alliance – Andrew Clark of GLL named Vice Chair

The Swimming Alliance has elected Andy Salmon, Chief Executive of Swim England, as its new Chair, with Andrew Clark, Head of Sports & Aquatics at GLL, elected to the role of Vice-Chair In his new role, Salmon will spearhead efforts to further enhance collaboration across the swimming sector, jointly campaign for the pools the country needs, strengthen school swimming programmes, and raise water safety standards nationwide “I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair,” Salmon said “Since joining the Alliance I’ve been struck by the positive way it has brought the swimming sector together to strengthen our collective voice I’d like to pay tribute to our past Chairs, Debbie Kaye and Danielle Obe, whose leadership and dedication have built a strong foundation for our shared objectives Now, more than ever, it’s vital we collaborate closely – across government, providers, and community organisations – to drive forward our key ambitions like protecting access to water, improving school swimming and water safety and tackling the inequalities we see within aquatics” Andrew Clark brings more than 18 years of experience leading GLL’s aquatics programmes, championing accessible and inclusive swimming As Vice Chair, he will play a key role in expanding national coordination and support for educational initiatives “It’s a privilege to be elected Vice-Chair of the Swimming Alliance,” Clark said “I’m particularly passionate about working alongside our sector partners to support the School Swimming and Water Safety Taskforce, ensuring every child not only successfully learns to swim, but gains essential rescue and water safety skills Together, we can build a robust, inclusive pathway from school swimming lessons to lifelong safe enjoyment of the water”

Together, we can build a robust, inclusive pathway from school swimming lessons to lifelong safe enjoyment of the water

The Swimming Alliance is a collaborative group of over 25 leading national organisations united to address the urgent and systemic challenges facing swimming and aquatic participation across the UK It advocates for equity, sustainability, and strategic investment in swimming as a life-saving skill, public health priority and national development asset

The Alliance represents voices from across the aquatic sector, including national governing bodies, community organisations, educators, facilities operators, charities and policy advocates It is committed to ensuring that every child, every family, and every community can access the benefits of swimming – regardless of ability, gender, geography, ethnicity, income or background

The alliance consists of the Black Swimming Association, CLOA, Children’s Alliance, CIMSPA, CLUK, Everyone Active, Freedom Leisure, Future Lidos, GLL, Level Water, Outdoor Swimmer, The Outdoor Swimming Society, Places Leisure, RLSS UK, Swim England and STA