To the Summit

The One Swim England Summit, to be held in March 2026, will set the scene for a transformational journey for the future of aquatics

Swim England is reaffirming its commitment to listening, collaborating and leading the aquatics community through a series of bold initiatives designed to shape the future of swimming and water-based activity in England This is not just evolution, it is a transformational change journey that places inclusion, innovation, and sustainability at the heart of everything we do At the centre of this vision is the One Swim England Summit, taking place on Thursday 19 March 2026 at The Vox Conference Centre, Resorts World Birmingham This landmark event will unite every part of the sector including clubs, operators, teachers, coaches, volunteers and partners to co-create great experiences in and around the water

The Summit a catalyst for cultural change

The Summit marks a pivotal moment in our shared journey and a chance to turn vision into action and shape the future of aquatics together It builds on the foundations laid during Swim England’s nationwide Vision and Values Roadshows in 2024, which engaged thousands of voices across the aquatics ecosystem to define a shared purpose and set the stage for cultural change Insights from these conversations informed the One Swim England strategy, launched in November 2024, and continue to guide the organisation’s priorities today

At the heart of the event are three key themes Lead, Learn, and Inspire LEAD – driving strategic conversations that set the course for the future of aquatics, from governance and safeguarding to workforce development and sector-wide standards LEARN – providing opportunities for professional growth through workshops, co-design sessions, and knowledge sharing that empower individuals and organisations to deliver excellence INSPIRE – showcasing innovation, celebrating success stories, and highlighting the transformative power of water to change lives and communities

These themes will be underpinned by opportunities to collaborate, explore product showcases, and understand Swim England’s evolving role in serving the community The Summit is designed to be interactive, inclusive, and future-focused bringing together expertise and ambition to create lasting impact

Andy Salmon, Swim England CEO, said “The summit is a moment for our sector to unite, listen, and lead The Summit will create spaces where collaboration thrives, where every voice is valued, and where decisions are shaped by a shared commitment to the long-term health and sustainability of aquatics Our vision (great experiences in water, for all and for life) is ambitious and together we can continue the journey toward safer, more enjoyable environments, stronger clubs and provision and a skilled, supported workforce that can deliver excellence across the leisure ecosystem The Summit is where that commitment takes shape”

The Summit will create spaces where collaboration thrives, where every voice is valued

Commitment matched by action

The commitment to collaboration is matched by tangible action In January 2026, Swim England will launch its new SEQ Level 2 in Teaching Swimming qualification, setting a new standard for excellence in swimming teacher training This streamlined qualification replaces the previous two-step pathway, enabling learners to qualify faster with all the skills they need to teach confidently from day one

Built on sector-wide consultation and aligned with CIMSPA’s updated professional standards, the qualification combines theory with hands-on experience, modern assessment technology, and flexible entry routes including direct entry, Learn to Swim Helper progression, and upgrades for existing Level 1 teachers

The new qualification combines theory and hands-on experience, modern assessment technology, and flexible entry routes, including direct entry, progression from the Learn to Swim Helper CPD, and upgrades for existing Level 1 teachers

It features 50 hours in total qualification time, including 38 hours of guided learning with a tutor, convenient online self-directed learning and practical experiences assessment time The course qualification offers a balance of theory and hands-on teaching, with practical assessments taking place in live lesson environments to ensure learners are confident and capable from the moment they step onto the poolside

Andy Salmon, Chief Executive of Swim England, said “This qualification is about quality without compromise It delivers poolside-ready teachers equipped to provide safe, inclusive, and inspiring lessons supporting our goals for lifelong participation and a sustainable future for aquatics By streamlining the pathway, we’re helping operators build stronger workforces and ensuring more people can access high-quality swimming lessons Ultimately, this is about future-proofing the sector and ensuring that everyone has access to great experiences in water”

Driving transformation through collaboration

The Summit will build on this momentum, offering delegates a unique opportunity to engage in strategic discussions, professional development, and co-design sessions focused on the sector’s most important priorities from workforce development and retention to safeguarding, accessibility, and innovation

This is where the future of aquatics will be shaped Delegates will hear from inspiring speakers, explore cutting-edge products and services, and participate in interactive sessions designed to turn ideas into action The event will spotlight innovation and celebrate the power of water to transform lives physically, mentally, and socially

A movement for change

Swim England invites everyone with a stake in aquatics including operators, providers, teachers, coaches, tutors, volunteers, and suppliers to join this movement for change

● For more information and to secure your place, visit wwwswimmingorg/swimengland/one-swim-england-summit/ or contact onesummit@swimmingorg for exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities