Facilities and swim schools receive National Awards

A number of swim schools, pool operators and swimming groups received recognition at the Swim England National Awards 2017 at the University of Birmingham.

The event took place at the university’s Great Hall, and recognised the vast contribution of individuals and organisations from all areas of the sport.

Jane Nickerson, Swim England CEO, said: “We have so many inspirational people involved at all levels of our sport and it is wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate them at the Swim England National Awards.

“The day is also about thanking those behind the scenes who continue to encourage us to do our best, particularly our family and friends. I am thrilled that so many people were able to join us in Birmingham.

“On behalf of all everyone involved with swimming, I would like to congratulate all our finalists for their achievements.”

Broom wins Swim School Member of the Year

Broom Swim School were the winners of the Swim School Member of the Year award. This was presented for their dedication to providing swimming lessons to each and every swimmer. The swim school is celebrating its 31st birthday this summer.

Broom has hosted 10 sponsored swims over the years, raising more than £50,000 for charities. These include the local Broom Village Hall, the Shakespeare Hospice, the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Cure Parkinson’s.

They are known for being professional, experienced and passionate about teaching swimming and encouraging all kinds of activities in the water.

Alice Walters, daughter of Broom Swim School owner Sallie Walters, said: “We originally started in an outdoor pool in my grandparents’ back garden. My mum used to teach outdoors in the summer, and then in private pools in the winter.

“We then built a log cabin structure around the pool and we’re still going strong.”

DCLT wins National Learn to Swim Provider of the Year

Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust took home the National Learn to Swim Provider of the Year Award.

They have grown their learn to swim programme from 2,300 swimmers to over 6,000 swimmers learning each week. DCLT ensures accessibility to swimming lessons and public swimming remain extremely competitive. They focus on giving more children and families access to swimming.

Ryan Goodhall, Swimming Development Officer, said: “We see over 6,500 children every week. We also have over 90 schools who come through our sites for School Swimming.

“Swimming is a very inclusive sport and we try and make it as accessible as possible. We have around 100 teachers who are all passionate and I think this award is testament to their dedication.”

BPL wins Facility Operator of the Year (0-22 sites)

Barnsley Premier Leisure received recognition for their work growing participation over the past 12 months.

Working closely with the Swim England Insight team they identified two areas from the Swim England Consumer Segmentation to launch a campaign to increase participation within their pools.

Everyone Active take Facility Operator of the Year (23+ sites)

Everyone Active won Facility Operator of the Year (23+ sites) for the seventh year in a row.

This year it was for their impressive increase in the number of people swimming and their work to put inclusivity at the forefront of the activities they deliver.

They saw over 7 million casual swimmers over the past 12 months.

Positive Strokes win David Sparkes OBE Innovation Award

London-based Positive Strokes won the David Sparkes OBE Innovation Award for their work to remove the stigma around HIV.

The group of Masters swimmers works to break down the barriers to swimming for people with HIV.

They help newly-diagnosed people realise that exercise at a high level is not only okay, but actually helpful, and encourage more people into the water.

Potterhanworth win School Swimming Charter – Primary School of the Year Award

Potterhanworth CE Primary School took home the School Swimming Charter – Primary School of the Year Award for 2017, having been bronze Award recipients in 2016.

Swimming is promoted as a fun and exciting part of the curriculum at Potterhanworth. This year Potterhanworth has extended the Charter to encompass the whole school. Their staff now feel much more confident in administering the Charter.

Thanks to their in-house training and qualified staff swimming teacher, Potterhanworth were able to continue with their lessons. They also provided lessons to local children when staffing problems arose.

This year 100 per cent of their Year 6 pupils will leave school being able to swim at least 25 metres.

• Click here to find out more about the Swim England National Awards and see all of the 2017 categories.