National first as Swim England and Plymouth Active partner to strengthen aquatic opportunities across Britain’s Ocean City

Swim England and Plymouth Active have announced a new strategic partnership that brings together their shared commitment to helping people lead healthier, more active lives through swimming and aquatic activity.

The partnership unites Swim England’s national leadership in aquatics with Plymouth Active’s deep community roots and ambition to make Plymouth the most active coastal city by 2034.

The two organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see them work together to champion inclusion, support wellbeing and create inspiring opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy, learn and thrive in the water.

Through a new joint steering group, they will share their expertise, insight and resources to drive meaningful, long-term community impact. It is the first partnership of its kind between Swim England and a city.

Central to the partnership is a shared belief in the power of aquatic activity to improve physical and mental health, build community and connect people to Plymouth’s unique coastal environment. The collaboration will focus on developing welcoming, inclusive programmes; strengthening links with schools, clubs, and local partners; expanding grassroots and performance pathways; and celebrating Plymouth’s role as Britain’s Ocean City.

Andy Salmon, Chief Executive of Swim England, said: “This partnership with Plymouth Active is a fantastic example of how collaboration can unlock opportunities for communities to thrive through aquatics. By combining our national expertise with Plymouth’s local ambition, we can create inclusive, inspiring environments where everyone feels welcome in the water.

“Together, we’re laying the foundations for long-term growth in aquatic participation across Plymouth, helping more people enjoy, learn, and benefit from the water.”

Plymouth Active Leisure is a community company, wholly owned by Plymouth City Council. Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure, said: “Here in Britain’s Ocean City, home to the UK’s only National Marine Park, we want everyone to thrive in and on and around the water. Whether it’s for fun, fitness, staying well or future careers, water should be a gateway to opportunity.

“We are proud to have already built a strong reputation for our aquatics programmes, from teaching children and adults how to swim and be safe in the water to nurturing our most promising young athletes through high-performance coaching. This exciting partnership with Swim England will take this to new levels and help us maximise every chance to make aquatics and our local blue spaces accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”

Rhys Jones, CEO of Plymouth Active Leisure, said: “This partnership is so much more than a collaboration – it’s a shared belief in the transformative power of water for our city. Plymouth’s identity is shaped by the sea, and by joining forces with Swim England we can help more people feel confident, connected and inspired in and around the water.

“Whether it’s a child learning to swim for the first time, someone rediscovering their wellbeing through gentle activity, or an aspiring athlete chasing their dreams, this partnership allows us to open doors that change lives. It gives us the chance to celebrate everything that makes Britain’s Ocean City special’.”

The partnership lays the foundation for a long-term, collaborative approach to growing aquatic participation, supporting local ambition and championing Plymouth as a leading destination for aquatic sport, recreation and wellbeing.