Stronger together: Swim England and Parkwood Leisure Renew five year commitment to community health

Swim England and Parkwood Leisure have renewed their strategic partnership for a further five years, reinforcing a shared commitment to inclusive, high quality aquatics that support lifelong health and wellbeing across local communities.

The renewed partnership builds on a strong foundation of collaboration and focuses on two core priorities: professional excellence and unrivalled accessibility.

Through continued work with the Institute of Swimming, Parkwood Leisure will further strengthen its workforce development, ensuring teachers benefit from robust training pathways and that swimming lessons remain best in class for all ages and abilities.

Prioritising inclusion, prevention and wellbeing

A key evolution in the partnership is Parkwood Leisure’s work alongside Lex Leisure towards achieving the Swim England Water Wellbeing accreditation. This nationally recognised standard supports facilities to widen access for inactive people and those living with long term health conditions, positioning pools as vital community health assets.

As part of this commitment:

• Specialised workforce training will equip staff to deliver inclusive aquatic provision for customers on exercise referral programmes and those who self refer for health support
• Integrated care pathways will see new water based sessions complement Parkwood’s successful GoodBoost programmes, creating joined up, rehabilitative movement opportunities
• More accessible environments will ensure everyone – regardless of physical ability, confidence or health status – feels welcome, supported and safe in the water

Together, Swim England and Parkwood Leisure are redefining the role of the swimming pool as a place not only for learning and activity, but for prevention, rehabilitation, confidence and community connection.

Alex Godfrey, Operations Director for Parkwood Leisure, said: “We are incredibly proud to renew our partnership with Swim England for another five years. This collaboration is fundamental to our aquatic delivery, focusing on professional excellence and true inclusion.

“We look forward to continuing our joint work to ensure everyone in our communities can access the lifelong health benefits swimming provides.”

Rebecca Cox, Swim England Business Engagement Director and Institute of Swimming Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to renew our partnership with Parkwood for a further five years. The strength and longevity of this collaboration reflect a shared ambition to raise standards across the aquatics sector, not only in teaching quality, but in ensuring swimming is genuinely accessible to everyone.

“Parkwood’s commitment to Water Wellbeing and exercise referral programmes is vital in redefining the role of the pool as a place for lifelong health, confidence and connection. Swimming should support prevention, rehabilitation and community belonging, as well as performance.

“Together, we look forward to continuing our work to open aquatics to more communities and to lead positive change across the sector.”