Thousands of children across the UK benefit from new approach to swimming lessons tackling fear of water
Thousands of children across the UK are benefitting from a new approach to swimming lessons, as Everyone Active, in partnership with the Institute of Aquaphobia (IoA), introduces specialist training for its swimming teachers.
Through the Aquaphobia CTA 1 certification, developed by the IoA, teachers are trained to identify signs of water-related anxiety and adapt their sessions to meet the emotional and physical needs of each swimmer.
The aim is simple but transformative — to help more children feel safe, confident, and happy in the water by teaching them the key foundation skills that form the basis of aquatic understanding. These skills allow individuals, at any age, to be in the water without fear. This creates a clear pathway to learning swimming strokes with good technique, free from stress and anxiety
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Alison Sutherland, Aquatic & Sport Training Manager at Everyone Active, said: The certification forms part of the wider Aquaphobia Learning Programme (ALP), created by IoA founder Mike Burman, which offers a structured and compassionate pathway to overcoming fear of water. With Everyone Active’s network of more than 2,000 coaches now undertaking the training, the reach of this initiative is truly nationwide.
The certification forms part of the wider Aquaphobia Learning Programme (ALP), created by IoA founder Mike Burman, which offers a structured and compassionate pathway to overcoming fear of water. With Everyone Active’s network of more than 2,000 coaches now undertaking the training, the reach of this initiative is truly nationwide.
Gerard McGuire, from Individuality Swimming and Fitness, one of the IoA’s Centres of Excellence based in Bournemouth, said:
“We have been following the IoA programme for a number of years now. The core ALP programme — the 12 stages taught in the water — are the foundation of all swimming. We use these principles in all our lessons for children, regardless of whether they are fearful or not.
There is no doubt that there’s a much higher number of children displaying signs of stress and fear around water, something that has been amplified since Covid. The Aquaphobia Learning Programme really does address these needs, whether a swimmer is four or ninety-four years old.”
Mike Burman, founder of the Institute of Aquaphobia, added:
“Aquaphobia affects an estimated 12.8 million people in the UK. Make no mistake, children who suffer from a fear of water when they are young can easily grow into adults with full-blown aquaphobia. What may seem a small issue at four years old can develop into a major phobia later in life unless it’s identified and treated professionally, with understanding, empathy and the correct type of aquatic teaching.
The ALP system addresses those needs by quantifying the problem and then planning a series of in-water activities designed to help each child gain control, feel safe, and build confidence. Removing the fear first and then teaching the key foundation skills creates a solid platform for learning to swim with good technique — while feeling happy and relaxed in the water.”
About IOA
We’re honoured to highlight the important work of the Institute of Aquaphobia (IOA).
The IOA are making a profound impact on individuals who experience fear and anxiety around water through the Institute of Aquaphobia, which offers structured, supportive programs designed to help people gradually overcome aquaphobia and build confidence in aquatic environments. With expert guidance and a compassionate approach, the IOA empowers individuals to move at their own pace – restoring comfort, safety and trust in water.
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