STA Podcast

In this episode, Kayle sits down with Abbey Ratchford, an experienced STA tutor and ATC Co-ordinator from Swim Teacher Training Academy, to explore the new STA Swimming Teacher qualification.

Alex Barrett, STA’s Head of Aquatics, sits down with Leon Fryer from Swimyourswim to spread awareness of water safety and explore how teachers can keep learners safe in the water.

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Barrett, STA’s new Head of Aquatics, for an introductory conversation to help you get to know him and his role within the organisation.

In this episode, Jodie Davis and Emma explore the importance of play, a child’s swimming journey, and how early experiences in the pool support development and confidence in the water.  

In this episode, STA’s Zoe Cooper is joined by Amelia Jordan from CoursePro to explore how digital tools are transforming swimming teaching, improving the learner experience and supporting swim schools in their day-to-day delivery.

Kayle is joined once again by Antoinette Spear from Autism Swim, exploring flexible thinking, what this means and how we can use this approach to support inclusive teaching.

In this episode, STA's Director of Education, Kayle Brightwell, is joined by Melona Headley from Bold Waters, discussing what is cultural competency and raising awareness on the importance for all.  

Join STA’s Water Safety Ambassador, Mike Goody, as he sits down with a very special guest and longtime friend, Dave Candler, STA’s CEO. Both celebrating ten years with STA, Mike and Dave skip the formal interview and just have a chat about what matters most: swimming, water safety, and why this work still inspires them every day.  

For this week’s podcast, in celebration of National Careers Week, the Qualification Development Team are talking about where a career in leisure can take you, and where their own journeys have led them.

Zoe joins Lauren and Josh from the Andrew Simpson Foundation to discuss the charities' mission and the development of Swim Free, a programme which delivers free swimming lessons to children and young people from naval families. 

STA legend Mike Goody sits down and reflects on the past 10 years of being an STA ambassador.

In this podcast, Jodie Davis is joined by Nick Masson from Bigwave Growth to discuss the benefits of their free remote Swim School Assessment and how organisations can grow their business. For more information, please contact Nick Masson at nickmasson@bigwavegrowth.co.uk or call on 07590564009.

In this podcast, STA's own Zoe is joined by Tim Mathias, Strategic Lead of Inclusion at UK Active, where they both shine a spotlight on the strategic partnership between the two organisations and what it means to STA members. 

Joining us on the podcast is Sarah Cox from the Halliwick Association of Swimming Therapy, discussing the importance of rotation in swimming, why is it important to learn rotation early in the swimming journey and tips on how teachers can develop this within their lessons.

In this episode, STA's Director of Digital Services, Brett Preston, and Lorna Crust from Aqua Kids talk about the Digital Awards system; its benefits and why more and more swim schools are joining.

In this special episode, we celebrate 10 years of the Swim Star Swim School programme. Zoe speaks with Lisa Bousted from Aquarius Swim School, who was among the first to join the programme. Lisa will be discussing their journey; the importance of the Swim Star status; and the impact the Swim Star programme has had on their business. Become a Swim Star Swim School today!

Speakers: Sam Green & Kayle Brightwell Insurance can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we sit down with Sam Green, Director of Swim Sure Insurance, to break down everything from swim school insurance to public liability. Learn how to understand your policy and use it effectively to protect your business.  

During this episode we are discussing industry best practice guidance documents, what are they, what do they mean, who do they apply to and what do we need to know. With Kayle Brightwell, Helen Done and STA technical expert Chris Bateman.

During this episode we are discussing the importance of regulated qualifications, what these means for employers, the learners and the benefits of regulation. With Kayle Brightwell, Sarah Green from Head of Workforce Education at Swim England Qualifications and special guest host Sara Byrne Technical Education Manager at CIMSPA.

Join Kayle Brightwell and Chris Rees from World of Swimming as they dive into the ins and outs of running a successful swim school. From recruiting and developing swim teachers to managing day-to-day operations, this episode covers everything you need to know to take your swim school to the next level.  

The podcast is about open water swimming, what there is to love about open water, how we can enjoy it safely and what you need to get started.

Ali Beckman and STA's Jodie Davis discuss the position of trust and how we safeguard ourselves as aquatic professionals. 

What does it mean to be part of a professional swimming community? Mark McNichol, STA’s Member of the Year, dives into the benefits of membership, how it supports professional growth, and why every swimming teacher should consider joining.

The family behind WellyWeight share how a playful idea from their daughter turned a homemade dive toy into a glowing hit with kids, parents, and swimming teachers alike.

Rhiannon Kocmar from SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia discusses learning to swim in Australia, the challenges, the initiatives and programmes offered.