Celebrating outstanding contributions to aquatics at Swim England National Awards

During a fantastic celebration of the aquatics community at the National Awards in November 2025, Swim England was proud to recognise two individuals in particular to celebrate their decades of service and outstanding contributions to aquatics.

Ron Philpot and William Johnston were honoured with two of the national governing body’s most prestigious awards – the Harold Fern Award and the Alfred H Turner Award – in recognition of their lifelong commitment to developing people, strengthening communities and championing aquatics at every level.

Ron Philpot – Harold Fern Award

Recipient of the Harold Fern Award, Ron Philpot has devoted most of his life to aquatics, making an extraordinary impact as a swimmer, water polo player, coach, teacher and mentor.

Ron’s journey began as a competitive swimmer in the 1960s, including appearances at the Mexico Olympic Trials, before representing Great Britain in water polo as a goalkeeper.

He later transitioned into coaching, beginning at Romford Town in 1979 before taking on lead coaching roles at clubs including Leatherhead Swimming Club, where he coached Olympians such as Matt Kidd, and the London Beacon programme in the lead-up to the 2012 Olympic Games.

For Ron, coaching has always been about people first. “Coaching isn’t just about performance – it’s about helping people believe in themselves and find where they belong,” he says.

After stepping down from full-time coaching in 2018, Ron continued to give back through coach education, tutoring and assessing swimming qualifications with the Institute of Swimming, while still supporting programmes such as the East London Network.

Reflecting on his lifelong volunteering, Ron adds: “Volunteering has never felt like a sacrifice. It’s always felt like a privilege.”

His influence is felt not just through results, but through the countless individuals who have remained in the sport because of his guidance. “The biggest achievements aren’t always medals or times – they’re the people who stay in the sport because someone supported them.”

William Johnston – Alfred H Turner Award

Winner of the Alfred H Turner Award, William Johnston has been a pillar of community diving for more than 40 years, recognised for his outstanding contribution to volunteering, coaching and leadership.

William founded Waltham Forest Diving Club before 1984, creating a vital pathway for local young people to access and excel in diving – many of whom would otherwise never have had the opportunity.

After gaining his Level One coaching qualification in 1984, he went on to dedicate thousands of voluntary hours to the club and its members. “Waltham Forest Diving Club was set up to give local young people a chance – many of them wouldn’t have had access to diving otherwise,” William explains.

His contribution extended far beyond coaching on the poolside. William became a strong advocate for keeping diving accessible during periods of significant funding and facility challenges. “There were times when funding and facilities made things very difficult, but walking away was never an option.

“Diving should be for everyone, not just those who can afford it or travel long distances.”

At the heart of William’s work has always been personal development. “It was never just about producing divers, it was about developing people.”

Reflecting on receiving the award, William emphasised the collective effort behind his success. “This award isn’t really about me – it reflects everyone who’s been part of the club and the journey.”

Lifelong dedication

The Harold Fern Award and the Alfred H Turner Award are both long service awards and celebrate individuals or organisations who have made the most outstanding contributions to aquatics at club, county, regional, national or international level.

In selecting the winners each year, consideration is given to:

• Outstanding achievement in advancing the sport through competition / coaching / officiating
• Outstanding achievement in the administration of the sport
• Outstanding achievement in advising the sport

Through decades of dedicated service, Ron Philpot and William Johnston have exemplified the power of aquatics to create opportunity, support individuals and inspire communities – helping to ensure aquatic sports remain inclusive, accessible and welcoming for generations to come.