Swim England to deliver insight-led aquatics programme at Elevate 2026

Following Swim England’s confirmation of its presence at this year’s Elevate, the national governing body for swimming has confirmed its session programme that is set to take place between 17- 18 June at ExCeL London.

Alongside the STA and RLSS UK who will collectively sponsor the Active Aquatics theatre, Swim England will deliver a programme of five insight-led sessions across the two-day event.

Designed to share practical insights, highlight innovation and encourage a more inclusive and sustainable environment in and around the pool, the programme builds on the thought-provoking conversations sparked at the landmark One Swim England Summit earlier this year. It reflects Swim England’s ongoing ambition to bring the sector together and inspire collective action to shape the future of aquatics.

With sessions focused on facilities, health and wellbeing, workforce sustainability and tackling the slowdown in Learn to Swim participation, Elevate provides a valuable platform to engage directly with operators, partners and stakeholders – helping support collaboration and shared thinking on how the sector can continue to evolve and deliver great experiences in water.

To help achieve this shared ambition, the Swim England programme will include:

The Facilities Summit: Session Overview
Led by Swim England’s Head of Facilities, Richard Lamburn, this session offers a concise overview of key themes from the Swim England Summit’s facilities stream, exploring the latest innovations in pool design and mechanical and electrical systems. Attendees will gain insight into how future aquatic facilities can improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs and automate traditional manual processes, providing practical ideas to help shape more sustainable and resilient leisure environments.

Community pools as extensions of healthcare pathways
Hosted by Swim England, this session brings together voices from both the healthcare and leisure sectors – including Swim England’s Head of Business Engagement, Alex Hains; Matthew Bazeley-Bell, Deputy CEO at Royal Society for Public Health; Sarah Cox, Specialist Chartered Physio at Fresh Physio; Sarah Wratten, Founder of Pinder Aquatic Physiotherapy; Simon Ferarreli from Barnsley Premier Leisure; and Rebecca Phillips, Strategic Lead at Everyone Active – to discuss and explore how leisure facilities can play a greater role in supporting public health.

Drawing on a recent Royal Society for Public Health report, it examines how partnerships between healthcare providers and leisure operators can unlock new pathways for communities to become more active. With real-world examples and cross-sector insight, the session highlights the role of pools and aquatic activity in tackling some of the most pressing health challenges, while encouraging delegates to think differently about how their facilities connect with wider health systems.

The Aquatics Workforce: Pathways, Governance and Growth
Featuring Rebecca Cox, Business Engagement Director at Swim England and Managing Director at the Institute of Swimming; Katy Butterfield, Senior Business Engagement Manager at Swim England; Jo Talbot, Commercial Director at RLSS UK; Dave Candler, CEO of STA; and Spencer Moore, Deputy CEO at CIMSPA, this panel explores how the sector can better support its workforce.
The discussion will centre on strengthening career pathways, improving governance and creating meaningful development opportunities, underlining the importance of a thriving workforce in building a sustainable future for aquatics.

Turning the Tide on Learn to Swim Participation
Rounding off Swim England’s programme, this session will address one of the most critical challenges facing the industry. With growth in Learn to Swim programmes slowing, this session brings together experienced voices – including Swim England’s Head of Business Engagement, Alex Hains and Technical Aquatics Manager, Dave Rayner; Anjilee Lane, the Strategic Lead for Everyone Active and Thomas Frost, Aquatics & Inclusivity Strategy Officer at Gelding Borough Council – to explore the current landscape, the factors influencing engagement and the actions providers can take to drive participation.

Focused on ensuring every child can learn this essential life skill, the discussion will provide practical insight to help operators respond to changing needs and re-energise their programmes.

Throughout Elevate 2026, Swim England will also be exhibiting on Stand G38, providing an opportunity to continue conversations beyond the stage. The team will be on hand to meet with delegates, share insight, discuss sector challenges and explore how we can work together to shape the future of aquatics.

Register your attendance to Elevate for free and be a part of the conversations: https://bit.ly/4dh3EBw