Winners will be announced at a live ceremony from a variety of awards categories. The Awards will recognise and celebrate the incredible spirit of aquatics by showcasing individuals, groups and organisations for their passion, dedication and outstanding commitment.
The event will also see the return of the Swim England Hall of Fame, recognition of our Breakthrough Athletes and presentations of the Harold Fern and Alfred H Turner awards.
In 2023, additional awards will also be recognised, which range from Swimming Teacher, Swim School and Educator of the Year awards, plus the brand new Inclusion Impact Award.
See the full list of awards which are open for nominations below and submit your nomination today.
2023 National Awards categories
This award recognises a Swim England member whose contribution is seen as invaluable and their commitment and effort are instrumental in the work to support the delivery of aquatic sport. This volunteer makes a tangible positive impact by demonstrating best practice for developing, supporting and considering the welfare of members. The award recognises a Swim England member who is a dedicated and passionate advocate for aquatics, and is an overall great example for others.
The volunteering activity can be at club, county, regional or national level, and is delivered through Swim England club environment. There is no requirement for the nomination to detail activity at every level, the importance is placed on the impact of the volunteering activity.
Criteria:
- Must be a Swim England member of any category Must be active in a club, County, Regional or National setting on a regular basisCan be a volunteer at county, regional or national levelThere is no age limitMust not be paid
This award recognises a Swim England Technical Official, of any discipline, whose contribution is seen as invaluable and their efforts are instrumental in the work to support the delivery of aquatic sport through technical officiating.
Their volunteering is making a positive impact and this volunteer is a great example of a role model for others.
The volunteering activity can be club, county, regionally or nationally based, and is delivered through Swim England club environment. There is no requirement for the nomination to detail activity at every level, the importance is placed on the impact of the volunteering activity.
Criteria:
- Must be a Swim England member of any category Must hold a recognised technical official qualification or certification relevant to their role and activityMust be officiating on a regular basisThere is no age limitMust not be paid
(Awarded by Swim England Youth Advisory Panel)
This award recognises individuals who continue to champion the voice of the young people within aquatics, have a clear passion for the sport and made a volunteering commitment or advocacy through campaigning, fundraising or committee work.
Criteria:
- Must be a Swim England member Must be active in an affiliated club, county, regional, national or Approved Training Centre setting on a regular basis
This award recognises any individual, club, swim school, operator or Approved Training Centre (ATC) connected to Swim England, who has championed inclusion and diversity within aquatics. The work should relate to championing a healthier and successful nation through aquatics, meeting the objectives set out with Swim England's Access Aquatics Strategy.
The winner will have inspired positive change and demonstrated commitment to making aquatics more inclusive and accessible to all through positive inclusion, equality and diversity actions. This could be through the introduction of initiatives to engage with underrepresented communities or to dissolve barriers that prevent engagement with aquatics.
Criteria:
- Must be a Swim England member or a Swim England affiliated club, Swim England Qualifications approved training centre, affiliated swim school or operator Must be able to demonstrate examples of high quality, inclusive and engaging practice
This award recognises an organisation which has made a demonstrable contribution to health improvement and health outcomes through swimming or aquatic activity. The organisation will be able to demonstrate the development of strong health partnerships which have enabled improved health and wellbeing of individuals with long term health conditions or impairments, by overcoming specific barriers to participation. The recipient should be able to outline how their work has had a measurable impact on health and wellbeing outcomes and explain the wider impact and value of this change to individuals and communities.
The nomination should highlight the following:
- Explain how local data and insight have shaped the approach taken and supported continuous improvement. Who the key beneficiaries are and what benefits have been observed and measured.Challenges faced and what examples of good practice helped in overcoming these.The value of this work to local partners, e.g. partnerships created, social value, return on investment, etc.
Criteria:
- Must outline examples of high quality aquatic opportunities created and how the offer was made to be accessible, inclusive and welcoming to the target beneficiaries Have included wider options and specific exit strategies to encourage independent activity outside any formal/structured support
The School Swimming and Water Safety Impact Award celebrates exceptional individuals, schools, lesson providers, club or organisations, who have made a positive impact on school swimming and water safety, both locally and nationally. This award recognises those who are truly passionate about promoting water safety and improving school swimming programmes, and who have demonstrated significant achievements in this area. Winners will be commended for their outstanding commitment to ensuring that all children have the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe in, on and around water by supporting or delivering fun, engaging and innovate school swimming.
Ideally demonstrate how appropriate competitive opportunities have been made available to pupils. Demonstrate the up-skilling of staff who support the delivery of school swimming lessons. The individual or organisation must have published or supported with the reporting of year 6 School Swimming and Water Safety curriculum requirements.
Criteria:
- Must be currently signed up to the Swim England School Swimming and Water Safety Charter Must be able to demonstrate examples of delivering high quality and inclusive school swimming and water safety lessonsAre actively using the Swim England School Swimming and Water Safety Charter Award SchemeShow evidence of innovative ways of delivering school swimming and water safety lessonsMust be able to evidence a significant positive impact on school swimming delivery or attainment in the previous year
This award acknowledges an Educator for their extraordinary efforts in going beyond the regular requirements of their role, with the main focus being on the learners' welfare and development. They should have demonstrated a culture of inclusivity in their course delivery, displaying innovation and excellence in design, delivery and assessment. This Educator should have the potential to serve as an inspiration to future teachers, coaches, and educators. All Educators, including trainees, are eligible for nomination.
Criteria:
- Must have a current Swim England Educator or Trainee license Must be able to demonstrate examples of delivering and assessing high quality, inclusive coursesShow evidence of continual professional development
This award recognises a teacher who provides quality lessons week in week out. They are motivated to improve their swimmers' standards and go the extra mile to ensure they deliver the best quality, inclusive learning experience for their swimmers. They strive to inspire the next generation of teachers.
Criteria:
- Must be a Swim England (or formerly ASA) qualified swim teacher who has continued to seek ongoing personal/professional development Must be delivering one or more of the four frameworks, within the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme (Pre-School Framework, Learn to Swim Framework, Aquatic Skills Framework, or Adult Swimming Framework)Must be delivering a fun, dynamic and inclusive approach to teaching swimmingProvides support and mentoring to other swimming teachers and swimming assistantsHold a current enhanced DBS check and safeguarding certificate
This award recognises a current Swim England Swim School member. Swim Schools nominated under this category should demonstrate a commitment to delivering exceptional service to all their swimmers. They should prioritise the progress of their swimmers and staff, constantly aiming to achieve elevated levels of inclusivity, safeguarding and welfare.
Criteria:
- Must be an active Swim England Swim School Member Must be delivering lessons in one or more of the four frameworks within the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme (Pre-School Framework, Learn to Swim Framework, Aquatic Skills Framework, or Adult Swimming Framework)The Swim School must be offering/rewarding learners with Swim England AwardsShow evidence of innovative and inspiring ways of delivering Learn to Swim sessions. Demonstrate how they support an inclusive learning environmentShow evidence of continual professional development of swim school employees
Please note: The shortlisted Swim Schools may receive a call and a visit from a Swim England Assessor as part of the judging process.
Sport Club Of The Year Awards
The Sport Club of the Year awards recognise clubs affiliated to Swim England, which continually go above and beyond, creating accessible, safe and welcoming environment for their members. These clubs, or discipline specific sections, provide excellent services in developing, nurturing and improving their club members through dedication and innovation. The Sport Club of the Year awards focus on clubs which create and foster the inclusive community spirit of aquatics ensuring a positive experience for all involved.
The Sport Club of the Year awards are discipline specific and will recognise achievements from the Artistic Swimming, Diving, Swimming and Water Polo clubs or discipline specific club sections.
Criteria:
Must be able to show they are excelling in one or more of the following areas:
- Have demonstrated innovation to grow membership Have demonstrated club sustainabilityHave demonstrated club growthHave demonstrated a commitment to volunteer recruitmentHave demonstrated a commitment to volunteer training
The Sport Club of the Year awards recognise clubs affiliated to Swim England, which continually go above and beyond, creating accessible, safe and welcoming environment for their members. These clubs, or discipline specific sections, provide excellent services in developing, nurturing and improving their club members through dedication and innovation. The Sport Club of the Year awards focus on clubs which create and foster the inclusive community spirit of aquatics ensuring a positive experience for all involved.
The Sport Club of the Year awards are discipline specific and will recognise achievements from the Artistic Swimming, Diving, Swimming and Water Polo clubs or discipline specific club sections.
Criteria:
Must be able to show they are excelling in one or more of the following areas:
- Have demonstrated innovation to grow membership Have demonstrated club sustainabilityHave demonstrated club growthHave demonstrated a commitment to volunteer recruitmentHave demonstrated a commitment to volunteer training
The Sport Club of the Year awards recognise clubs affiliated to Swim England, which continually go above and beyond, creating accessible, safe and welcoming environment for their members. These clubs, or discipline specific sections, provide excellent services in developing, nurturing and improving their club members through dedication and innovation. The Sport Club of the Year awards focus on clubs which create and foster the inclusive community spirit of aquatics ensuring a positive experience for all involved.
The Sport Club of the Year awards are discipline specific and will recognise achievements from the Artistic Swimming, Diving, Swimming and Water Polo clubs or discipline specific club sections.
Criteria:
Must be able to show they are excelling in one or more of the following areas:
- Have demonstrated innovation to grow membership Have demonstrated club sustainabilityHave demonstrated club growthHave demonstrated a commitment to volunteer recruitmentHave demonstrated a commitment to volunteer training
The Sport Club of the Year awards recognise clubs affiliated to Swim England, which continually go above and beyond, creating accessible, safe and welcoming environment for their members. These clubs, or discipline specific sections, provide excellent services in developing, nurturing and improving their club members through dedication and innovation. The Sport Club of the Year awards focus on clubs which create and foster the inclusive community spirit of aquatics ensuring a positive experience for all involved.
The Sport Club of the Year awards are discipline specific and will recognise achievements from the Artistic Swimming, Diving, Swimming and Water Polo clubs or discipline specific club sections.
Criteria:
Must be able to show they are excelling in one or more of the following areas:
- Have demonstrated innovation to grow membership Have demonstrated club sustainabilityHave demonstrated club growthHave demonstrated a commitment to volunteer recruitmentHave demonstrated a commitment to volunteer training
Coaching Awards
The Coaching awards recognise Swim England members who have made outstanding commitments to coaching within their specific sport, supporting and inspiring participants to achieve their personal best. The Coaching awards will recognise individuals who are dedicated to fostering inclusive and welcoming environment for all, demonstrating best practice in coaching. These individuals will place members' welfare at the core of their delivery with a focus on making positive impact.
The coaching activity can be delivered within the club, county, regional or national environment and in recognised competitions. There is no requirement for the nomination to detail activity at every level, the importance is placed on the impact of the coaching activity.
Criteria:
- Must hold a Swim England coaching certificate or equivalent Must be a Swim England memberMust be a member of the Coaching and Teaching RegisterAll qualifications must be registered with Swim EnglandMust be coaching at a Swim England affiliated clubCan be in a paid or voluntary position
The Coaching awards recognise Swim England members who have made outstanding commitments to coaching within their specific sport, supporting and inspiring participants to achieve their personal best. The Coaching awards will recognise individuals who are dedicated to fostering inclusive and welcoming environment for all, demonstrating best practice in coaching. These individuals will place members' welfare at the core of their delivery with a focus on making positive impact.
The coaching activity can be delivered within the club, county, regional or national environment and in recognised competitions. There is no requirement for the nomination to detail activity at every level, the importance is placed on the impact of the coaching activity.
Criteria:
- Must hold a Swim England coaching certificate or equivalent Must be a Swim England memberMust be a member of the Coaching and Teaching RegisterAll qualifications must be registered with Swim EnglandMust be coaching at a Swim England affiliated clubCan be in a paid or voluntary position
The Coaching awards recognise Swim England members who have made outstanding commitments to coaching within their specific sport, supporting and inspiring participants to achieve their personal best. The Coaching awards will recognise individuals who are dedicated to fostering inclusive and welcoming environment for all, demonstrating best practice in coaching. These individuals will place members' welfare at the core of their delivery with a focus on making positive impact.
The coaching activity can be delivered within the club, county, regional or national environment and in recognised competitions. There is no requirement for the nomination to detail activity at every level, the importance is placed on the impact of the coaching activity.
Criteria:
- Must hold a Swim England coaching certificate or equivalent Must be a Swim England memberMust be a member of the Coaching and Teaching RegisterAll qualifications must be registered with Swim EnglandMust be coaching at a Swim England affiliated clubCan be in a paid or voluntary position
