Everyone belongs in water

Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate identity, visibility and belonging. It is also a time to reflect on the role we all play in creating environments where everyone feels welcome, respected and able to be themselves.

At Swim England, we believe that water should be for everyone. Whatever your background, identity or experience, everyone deserves positive, safe and enjoyable experiences in and around the water.

Creating inclusive environments goes beyond policies and processes. It is about listening, learning and taking action so people feel confident, valued and supported when taking part in our sports.

Creating welcoming aquatic spaces

For some people, getting involved in aquatics can feel daunting. Previous experiences, fear of judgement or a lack of representation can make it harder to feel that you belong.

We know that inclusion is shaped by everyday actions. The language we use, the behaviours we encourage and challenge, and the environments we create all influence how welcome and supported people feel.

When people feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to the pool, open water venue or club environment, they are more likely to enjoy their experience, stay involved and thrive.

Listening to lived experiences

One of the most important ways we can continue to improve inclusion is by listening to people’s lived experiences.

Hearing directly from those involved in aquatics helps us better understand the barriers that still exist and what meaningful inclusion looks like in practice. These experiences help turn good intentions into positive action.

This approach helps ensure that inclusion is informed by the people it affects and the experiences they share.

Pride Month and our year-round commitment

Pride Month is an important opportunity to celebrate progress, recognise the contribution of LGBTQ+ communities and reaffirm our commitment to inclusion. However, creating welcoming environments does not happen in a single month. It is an ongoing commitment that requires us to keep listening, learning and improving throughout the year.

Being inclusive means remaining open to feedback, challenging barriers where they exist and continuing to work together to make aquatics a place where everyone feels they belong.

These stories and resources reflect our commitment to learning from others and supporting positive change across our sports.

Making a difference together

Creating inclusive environments is a shared responsibility.

Whether you are a participant, volunteer, coach, teacher, official, parent or supporter, you help shape the experiences people have in and around the water. Small actions can make a significant difference, from using inclusive language to challenging behaviours that make others feel unwelcome.

This Pride Month, we are proud to stand alongside LGBTQ+ communities and to continue working towards a future where everyone can enjoy the water in the way that suits them.