Swalings International School Of Swimming

Press Release

Swalings Antigua have raised the bar again by receiving a Distinction for the STAmark (Swimming Teachers’ Association) quality accreditation, having been awarded a Merit two years previously and becoming the first international swimming school to obtain the award.

Swalings International School of Swimming based in Jolly Harbour has been recognised for its very high standard of swimming teaching, as well as its practice of safety and survival techniques. The STAmark is an internationally recognised quality mark that externally validates safe practices and standards in swimming schools. This is an award which is very highly coveted; it is a benchmark for safety standards, customer relations and good business practice within Swim Schools.

Having been in operation in the UK for the past 25 years Swalings decided to open a branch in Antigua in 2004. Sensing no structured swimming lessons in schools and having over 365 beaches where lessons traditionally take place in the sea Swalings wanted to offer a better standard of service and to teach as many babies , children and adults as possible to be safe in and around the water, with a high emphasis on water safety. The number of drowning’s each year is increasing but Swalings is making a huge difference having taught well over 2000 pupils in the last two years alone, as well as certifying lifeguards and first aiders in a number of the safety conscious local hotels and business.

In 2006 Swalings was the first international swimming school to be awarded the STA mark accreditation with Merit. The assessments are carried out under UK guidelines and strict standards. Life in Antigua being very different to that in the UK; in respect that it is a lot more relaxed; the children still have a freedom which is now unheard of in the UK, so it was difficult to follow the UK guidelines. That said Swalings impressed the assessor this year when they underwent their two year reassessment by not only keeping the high standards from 2006 but by improving so much that this year they were awarded distinction. When you’re playing at such high level’s it is harder to improve on previous years even in the UK and for Swalings to have been able to improve it standards here in Antigua is no mean feat.

Steve Franks Operations Director at the STA said “Swalings Antigua have made significant improvements in how they have adapted their operational practices and standards to enable them to work effectively and efficiently within the challenging environment of a developing country”

He added “Swalings appear not only to be leading the way in Antigua but also within the Caribbean as evidenced by their invitation to participate in Antigua’s Historic inaugural National Sports summit which was attended by Government ministers and sporting legends from across the Caribbean”



Swalings Director Zoë Swatton said ‘We are extremely proud to have been awarded a Distinction for our re-assessment. This tremendous achievement means anyone learning to swim with Swalings can be assured of the very best swim teaching available to them. We have worked tirelessly since our last assessment to continually better our standards and stay on top of our game.’

Zoë went on to say ‘By obtaining and maintaining the STA Mark Swalings is ensuring its standards remain high and that we offer the best swimming lessons for all our pupils. We strive for water safety and water awareness and hope our current and new pupils and parents feel that learning to swim is a worth while and most important life skill’.

The award, which is assessed every two years, is fantastic news for the swimming industry as a whole at a time when drowning remains prevalent. The STAmark will contribute towards reducing the number of preventable swimming pool and water related accidents and hasten the day when all swimming schools will need to be licensed.


Too many Swim Schools appear without trained and qualified staff; they set up a swimming school and “bluff” the parents into thinking that their children are safe. The STA Mark has been introduced to stop such people operating and giving false claims and assurance to their swimmers and parents.

Swalings recruits exceptionally personable staff who are qualified to teach lifesaving skills, Aquafit classes, water-acquaintance for babies from three months old (Birthlight), and swimming to able-bodied and disabled swimmers at all levels and all age groups and will continue to give its clients Peace of Mind that they really are learning with the best.

Swalings Development Director Graeme Swatton added ‘We at Swalings will continue our efforts to be the best swimming school in the Caribbean and allow you and your children to be safe to enjoy the wonders of the waters that surround you. Very Well done to all the Swalings Team!!!


Swalings can be contacted on 725 25 45/ 561 07 07 or via www.swalings.com

ENDS

The STAmark is an internationally recognised quality mark that externally validates safe practices and standards in swimming schools. This is an award which is very highly coveted; it is a benchmark for safety standards, customer relations and good business practice within Swim Schools.