By Cheryl McLennan, National Product Development Manager(Aquatics)

In the past twelve months, we have seen the spotlight heavily focused on child safety. In a swim school environment, we understand that any child-related safety concern can have far-reaching impacts not only on the children involved, but also on their families, the swim school and the teachers themselves.  

This reinforces the critical need to continually strengthen how we safeguard both our young people and our educators, ensuring that safety, trust and professional boundaries remain at the core of aquatic education. 

Swim teachers hold one of the most trusted roles in a child’s life. They are not just teachers, they are protectors, mentors and often the reassuring presence guiding a child’s first steps into the water. Every physical interaction in a lesson must be intentional, respectful and grounded in care.  

It’s about creating a space where every child feels secure, every teacher feels confident and every interaction is built on trust. Because where trust exists, learning flourishes. Where safety is clear, confidence grows.  

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged teachers to adapt. With limited contact, swim educators embraced new strategies, proving that effective teaching can thrive with creativity and intention. We spent time observing lessons, not from the sidelines, but with a trained eye for subtle moments. The pause before a child accepts a hold. The glance of uncertainty when a movement isn’t explained; these micro-moments matter.   

We acknowledge the risk faced by swim teachers which can derail a career, impact mental health and shatter a teacher’s sense of purpose. Most enter this profession with a genuine desire to help children grow in confidence, skill and love for the water. But without clear guidance and sector-wide support, even the most dedicated professionals are left exposed.  

A bespoke Child Safe Holds and Support Training Package has been developed for Belgravia Leisure to serve both sides of the pool. It protects children and it safeguards teachers. It sets clear expectations, defines what is appropriate and safe and fosters a shared understanding across the industry.

Available to all Belgravia Leisure swim teachers, the package includes a Leader Overview Guide to help leaders guide their teams with confidence and clarity, as well as a ready-to-use presentation for in-house training sessions to ensure all staff receive consistent, high-quality training. 

A growing collection of images and videos is also included in the package, demonstrating correct holds and support techniques. Additionally, a digital learning hub for swim teachers will soon feature mandatory training modules, interactive learning tools and certification and progress tracking.

This training package was a collective effort to establish consistent standards, reduce ambiguity and prioritise wellbeing for all. Because safety isn’t just a checklist. It lives in every interaction between teacher and student, in the way lessons are planned and delivered and in the trust that’s nurtured over time.

Our focus on consent is a fundamental part of meeting child safety standards in aquatic education. Consent is about ensuring children are informed, comfortable and aware of what to expect in their learning environment. It involves clear communication, explaining actions in advance and maintaining professional boundaries at all times. By prioritising consent, we foster a culture of safety, trust and respect, creating positive and supportive experiences for every child.

By observing more closely, listening more openly and evolving together, we can further shape an aquatics industry where every child feels protected, and every teacher is supported.

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