Aqua Aims high after gaining Learn to Swim Accreditation for excellence

The owners of the latest swim school to receive a Swim England quality mark have told how the award has given them the confidence to expand their business.

Essex-based Aqua Aims is one of several sites that have been awarded the Learn to Swim Accreditation.

The accolade is presented to swim schools and operators that are delivering the best possible Learn to Swim experience for beginners of all ages.

Run by Brad and Carol Fowler, Aqua Aims runs classes from four school pool locations and were last year highly commended in the Swim School of the Year category at the Swim England National Awards.

Brad said: “Achieving this accreditation gives us the confidence to move forward and grow our swim school further, knowing that we have everything that’s required correctly in place.”

The Swim England Learn to Swim Accreditation recognises excellence in governance, sustainability and effectiveness and raises the profile of the successful organisation’s Learn to Swim Programme.

Benefits of membership include a certificate and personalised plaque with the Swim England Accredited provider logo which can be displayed at centres and promotional materials.

All Accredited providers are also featured on the Swim England Swim School Directory with a Learn to Swim Accreditation mark next to its name.

This makes it easier for customers to find accredited schools.

Katie Towner, head of Learn to Swim at Swim England, said: “This is fantastic news for Aqua Aims.

“The fact they were highly commended in the Swim England National Awards demonstrates their commitment to high quality delivery of the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme.

“It’s great to see independent swim schools so committed to consistently striving for high standards in the swimming sector.”

Aqua Aims currently help more than 900 children each week learn to swim and become confident and safe around water.

Organisations that have received the Learn to Swim Accreditation include Sherborne Sports and Leisure, Inspiring healthy Lifestyles, Places Leisure, Active Swim, Magna Vitae, State of Jersey, Durham County Council and now Aqua Aims.

Everyone Active has a number of sites going through the accreditation process, while Serco Leisure are also in a renewal process.

Swim schools following the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme are eligible to be accredited. For further details, email learntoswim@swimming.org