Swimming pool operator makes a splash at national awards

A local sports and leisure operator has made a splash after taking home one of the industry's most prestigious aquatic award.

Everyone Active, which operates four facilities, including Stratford Leisure Centre and Studley Leisure Centre in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council, has been named as Facility Operator of the Year at the 2018 Swim England National Awards.

It is the eighth time that Everyone Active has been given this crown by Swim England (formerly known as the Amateur Swim Association), making it one of the event's most decorated operator.  

The Swim England National Awards celebrate excellence in the aquatic industry and the work of exceptional organisations and individuals. The Facility Operator of the Year accolade was presented by Olympic diver, Leon Taylor, and Commonwealth champion, Aimee Willmott during an awards ceremony held at the University of Birmingham's Great Hall on Saturday (10th November).

The past 12 months have been particularly successful for Everyone Active. It has grown to manage 111 pools nationwide, and now helps more than 136,000 people to learn a life-saving skill every week as part of its acclaimed Learn to Swim Programme. In August, it also hosted a record-breaking one million visits from those who came to enjoy its public swim sessions.

As well as the support offered to those in the pool, the award also acknowledges the work Everyone Active does to provide progression and development opportunities to its swim colleagues by giving them access to top-class training and qualifications.

Jacqui Tillman, Everyone Active's Head of Swimming, said: "It is fantastic to have won this prestigious award for the eighth time. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our swim colleagues, and I am delighted that they have been recognised in this way on the national stage. 

"Swimming is a particularly important activity. Not only is it proven to benefit both physical and mental wellbeing, it can also genuinely save lives. There's so much to be gained from getting in the pool, and we are committed to supporting as many people as possible to experience these benefits.

"We have a lot of exciting initiatives planned for the next 12 months, and I look forward to working alongside Swim England and our local authority partners to offer even more opportunities for people to be active in the water."

The Facility Operator of the Year award was one of four successes Everyone Active achieved on the night, with individual swimmers and teachers also being recognised for their outstanding contributions.

Councillor Mike Brain, Services for the Community Portfolio, says: "This is a great accolade and is well deserved recognition of Everyone Active's commitment to making swimming available and accessible to all. Their approach has helped build on the District Council's commitment to getting people more active. My congratulations go to all those who have played a part in making this possible."

Jane Nickerson, Swim England CEO, said: "Whether it's sporting success or someone giving up their free time to help others, the achievements of all our finalists influence so many.  

"It's important those who play a crucial role in swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming and diving are recognised. Their stories fill me with pride. All our finalists and award winners deserve the acclaim they receive for the wonderful activities they do to ensure our aquatic sports continue to thrive. Keep up the good work."  

To find out about swimming lessons or water-based activities on offer at Everyone Active or to join up to its swim lessons, visit www.everyoneactive.com.