STA Podcast

STA Conference 2026 is almost here. In this special conference preview episode, Alex Barrett and Kaylë Brightwell discuss the standout sessions, keynote speakers, industry trends and opportunities awaiting delegates, while sharing why this year's event promises to be one of the most exciting yet.

In this episode, Zoe is joined by Britt Jackson, Executive Director of the Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention Foundation (UHBP), to discuss the challenges of raising awareness around underwater hypoxic blackout. They explore why greater understanding of the risks is so important and the work being done to help spread this vital safety message.

Alex Barrett, STA’s Head of Aquatics, is joined by Troy Parsonage, CEO of SEN UK Swimming, for a conversation about inclusive swimming and the growing partnership between the two organisations. They discuss their shared passion for inclusion and what the partnership could mean moving forward.

In this episode of the STA Podcast, Zoe Cooper from STA is joined by James Lee from Green Tech International, one of STA’s newest pool plant partners, for an insightful conversation about Hydro Dioxide and biofilm.

In this episode, Alex Barrett is joined by David Bullen from Durham Aquatics, who leads a successful and large school swimming programme across County Durham.   With extensive experience delivering swimming lessons at scale, David shares valuable insights on driving standards, prioritising water safety, and how he prepares his teams for the September return to swimming lessons.

In this episode, Jodie is joined by Tim Rogers , one of the UK's leading authorities on safeguarding and the protection of children and adults at risk. A former Detective, Tim has conducted forensic safeguarding reviews for one of the world's largest faith organisations and now works as a consultant for the NSPCC. With extensive experience across safeguarding, child protection, and organisational...

Zoe is joined by Leslie and Sarah from Outswimming Cancer to discuss how the power of swimming can bring people together following a cancer diagnosis.

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.