STA

13/10/2026

ONE MONTH TO GO! ⏳

The countdown is on! Just one month until the STA Conference 2026 brings the aquatic community together in Cheltenham.

Two days of expert insights, practical discussions and valuable networking, with sessions covering aquatics, business and marketing, lifesaving and first aid, pool plant and all things ATC!

💡 Discover fresh ideas
🤝 Connect with fellow aquatic professionals
📚 Learn from industry experts
🚀 Help shape the future of aquatics

Whether you're looking to build your knowledge, share experiences or make new connections, we look forward to welcoming you!

🎟️ Explore the schedules and book your place: https://www.sta.co.uk/events/save-the-date-sta-conference-2026/

13/10/2026

Your swim school could win £500 in easyfundraising.org.uk’s Big Grocery Bonus

Five community impact causes will win a £500 bonus donation - and one of them could be yours.

If anyone supporting your swim school orders their groceries from Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose or Iceland via the easyfundraising website or app, your swim school will be in the draw to win one of the £500 bonuses. As well as benefiting from a free cashback donation, courtesy of the supermarket.

Entry closes 31st October. If you haven’t already then register with easyfundraising using the link below. Then ask everyone connected to your swim school to join as your supporters and try it out with their next grocery shop.

Register now: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/sta/

Already using easyfundraising? See the first comment. Good luck!

13/10/2026

NEW: Mental Health Qualifications

Supporting mental health starts with understanding it.

STA has launched two new regulated qualifications designed to build mental health awareness, develop confidence and equip learners with the skills to respond appropriately when someone may be struggling.

📘 Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness
Develop your understanding of mental health, common mental health conditions, emotional distress and self-care.

💚 Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid
Build on your knowledge with practical skills in communication, risk assessment, crisis intervention and providing initial support.

Whether you're looking to strengthen your own understanding or develop skills to support others, these qualifications offer a clear progression from awareness to mental health first aid.

Because conversations about mental health, and the support that follows, matter all year round.

🔗 Find out more: https://www.sta.co.uk/news/2026/10/12/sta-launches-new-mental-health-qualifications-to-support-awareness-and-first-aid/

STA Launches New Mental Health Qualifications to Support Awareness and First Aid 12th October 2026 Safety Training Awards (STA) is marking World Mental Health Day 2026 by announcing the launch of two new regulated qualifications designed to give people the knowledge, confidence and practical skills....

12/10/2026

Dive into Discounts!

A little extra value goes a long way...

Did you know STA membership comes with savings to help you get more from your membership?

📜 10% off STA Awards qualifications
🤝 Exclusive partner discounts to enjoy

Just another way STA membership offers a little extra support, helping you save while staying connected to the aquatic community.

📲 Log in to your STA Online account to explore your membership benefits.

12/10/2026

Introducing our NEW Distance Medals!! 🏅🎉

Never miss a milestone! 🏊‍♀️

From a swimmer’s first distance award to reaching the incredible milestone of 1 mile, every achievement deserves to be celebrated.

Our NEW Distance Medals feature colourful, eye-catching designs and are fully waterproof, making them perfect for celebrating progress poolside or keeping as a special reminder of how far a swimmer has come.

Because every metre matters 🙌

Discover the full range: https://shop.sta.co.uk/categories/swimming-awards/groups/distance-medals/

10/10/2026

🧠 New Mental Health Qualifications

This World Mental Health Day, we’re pleased to announce the launch of two new regulated qualifications designed to build knowledge, confidence, and practical skills around mental health.

📘 Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness
Helping learners recognise mental health difficulties and emotional distress, while exploring self-care, common conditions, and mental health in the workplace.

🩹 Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid
Developing practical skills to support someone experiencing a mental health challenge.

📅 Available from Monday 12th October 2026

09/10/2026

SPEAKER ANNOUNCED! 🎉

We’re delighted to welcome Haylley Pittam, Co-Owner and Director of Aquatic Rehabilitation Exercise Academy (AREA) to the STA Conference!

On Friday, Haylley will be delivering her seminar, Beyond Birth: The Benefits of Post Natal Exercise in Water, exploring the benefits of aquatic exercise for postnatal recovery and wellbeing.

📅 13–14 November 2026
📍 Cheltenham Chase Hotel
🎟️ Book you place: https://shop.sta.co.uk/categories/miscellaneous/groups/sta-conference-2026/

09/10/2026

Every splash. Every stroke. Every success.

What does progress look like in your lessons? It could be mastering a new skill, overcoming a fear or finding the confidence to try something for the first time.

Our Celebrate Your Way campaign explores why recognising these moments matters, and how teachers and swim schools can make every achievement feel special. 🙌

Discover more about the campaign, why recognition makes a difference and how we can help every swimmer celebrate their own way.

🔗 Read the full article: https://www.sta.co.uk/news/2026/10/09/celebrate-your-way-why-every-achievement-deserves-recognition/

Celebrate Your Way: Why Every Achievement Deserves Recognition Alex Barrertt 9th October 2026 This October, we’re kicking off a brand-new campaign – Celebrate Your Way – spotlighting the importance of regular reward and recognition in swimming lessons, and sharing the different ways operators ...

08/10/2026

Looking forward to a great night at the Ukactive awards 2026 - good luck to all the finalists.

08/10/2026

Why does recognition matter? 🤔

For a swimmer, being recognised for something they’ve achieved can mean more than just receiving a certificate.

It can help them see what they’re capable of, give them something tangible to take pride in and remind them that their efforts are making a difference.

That’s the thinking behind our I Did It! certificates. 🎉

A simple way for teachers to recognise achievement and help make every swimmer’s journey feel rewarding.