Swim England reflects on a successful Elevate 2026

In June, Swim England joined partners, operators and industry stakeholders at Elevate 2026, to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of aquatics.

Held at ExCeL London, the event saw Swim England join the STA and RLSS UK in sponsoring the Active Aquatics Theatre, delivering a programme of insight-led sessions focused on some of the sector’s most important priorities, including facilities, public health, workforce development and Learn to Swim participation.

Building on the conversations started at the One Swim England Summit in March, it provided delegates with practical insights, fresh perspectives and opportunities to collaborate on the future direction of the industry.

From facility sustainability and innovation to workforce development, public health and declining Learn to Swim participation – each session encouraged discussion, collaboration and sharing practical ideas that can support long-term growth.

A discussion that carried on following the One Swim England Summit was the Facilities Summit overview, led by Head of Facilities, Richard Lamburn. The session explored how innovation in pool design and plant systems is helping operators re-think traditional approaches to facility management. With increasing pressure on budgets and resources, discussion focused on how technology, automation and smarter design can help create more sustainable, efficient and resilient aquatic facilities for the future.

The ‘Turning the Tide on Learn to Swim Participation’ session also generated significant discussion, with panellists exploring whether slowing growth is driven by acquisition or retention challenges, or a combination of both.

Hosted by Swim England’s Alex Hains and Dave Rayner and supported by Anjilee Lane from Everyone Active and Thomas Frost from Gelding Borough Council – it touched on the importance of understanding local markets and communities. Delegates were encouraged to look closely at their own data to identify audiences they are not currently reaching, help them drive action, engage new communities and take innovative approaches to programme growth.

It also addressed changing family behaviours, growing time pressures on households and the need to better communicate the wider benefits of swimming lessons, including water safety, health and wellbeing.

Building on many of the themes raised during the discussion, Elevate also provided the platform for Swim England to launch its new Learn to Swim Growth Plan.

A new addition to the National Governing Body’s Business Solutions offer, it has been designed to help operators better understand local market opportunities, evaluate programme performance and turn insight into practical actions that support sustainable growth. Building on the success of the Aquatic Latent Demand Reports, the product combines data, audit and expert support to help providers identify where opportunities exist and, crucially, how to act on them.

The Swim England team also welcomed visitors to its stand, encouraging existing partners, aquatic novices and those passionate about creating great experiences in water, to stop by and see how we can all fuel our shared ambition to improve the aquatic experiences and opportunities for everyone.

Alex Hains, Head of Business Engagement at Swim England reflected on another Elevate exhibition, saying: “Elevate is always a fantastic opportunity to bring people together and this year’s event was no exception. It was great to catch up with some of our partners face-to-face and connect with the wider industry.

“The feedback on our sessions was incredibly positive, and it was particularly encouraging to see so much engagement across such a diverse range of topics. The launch of our Learn to Swim Growth Plan was another real highlight, and we’re excited to continue working with the sector to help turn insight into action.”

Elevate 2026 is just another example of Swim England’s continued commitment to supporting the sector through collaboration, innovation and insight, helping to create more opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy the benefits of being active in and around the water.

To find out more about the new Learn to Swim Growth Plan, visit https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/learn-swim-growth-plan/