One Swim England Summit

The One Swim England Summit brought together over 500 leaders, coaches, teachers, exhibitors, speakers and volunteers from across the aquatics sector, delivering a clear and compelling message: collaboration is central to the future success of aquatics in England

Held as a flagship event in the aquatics calendar, the One Swim England Summit provided a platform to share ideas, align priorities and inspire a renewed sense of purpose across the sector to deliver great experiences for all. At its heart, the Summit reinforced Swim England’s “One Swim England” vision – an approach aimed at breaking down silos and creating a more connected, inclusive aquatics community. Whether from swimming, diving, artistic swimming, water polo, or open water, attendees were united by a shared ambition to grow participation and improve experiences at every level.

LEARNINGS

Educational sessions were split across the themes of “Lead”, “Learn” and “Inspire” and covered a wide range of challenges and opportunities currently facing the sector. From how facilities can future proof themselves by embracing AI and innovating for sustainability, performance and value to how to put children at the heart of coaching to the opportunities a place-based approach to swimming and aquatics can offer, speakers acknowledged the realities the sector is navigating. However, the tone throughout remained optimistic, with practical solutions and case studies highlighting resilience and innovation.

Helen Marney, Director of Community Participation and Health at Swim England said: “Our vision at Swim England is great experiences in water. For all. For life. We know we can only achieve this by working in partnership with organisations and individuals from every part of the aquatics community and it was great to have the opportunity to bring people together at the Summit around that shared purpose.”

“A huge thank you to everyone who came along and we’re already looking at how we can come back bigger and better next year.”

Event review

DEVELOPING PEOPLE

A particularly strong theme of the day was workforce development. With recruitment and retention continuing to challenge many organisations, the Summit showcased initiatives designed to support and upskill the aquatic workforce.

Inclusion and diversity also featured prominently. Sessions explored how swimming can better reach under-represented communities, ensuring that opportunities in aquatics reflect the diversity of the population it serves. Attendees heard powerful examples of programmes breaking down barriers, underlining the role swimming can play in improving both physical and mental wellbeing.

For operators and partners, the Summit provided valuable networking opportunities and practical insights. Collaboration between clubs, leisure providers, and local authorities was highlighted as essential to sustaining and growing aquatic activity— particularly in a challenging financial landscape.

Ultimately, the One Swim England Summit succeeded in reinforcing a simple but powerful idea: the future of aquatics depends on collective effort. By working together, sharing expertise, and maintaining a clear focus on delivering great experiences, aquatics is well positioned to thrive.

For SwimNation readers, the message is clear – be part of the conversation, embrace collaboration, and help shape the next chapter of aquatics in England.