Aspire training
Accredited, Cost-Effective Courses with Expert Trainers from the Swimming Teachers Association (STA).
We offer a range of courses to help you gain skills and qualifications in swimming, lifeguarding, and pool management.
Courses we offer include:
- STA Award in Teaching Swimming
- STA Certificate in Teaching Swimming
- STA Award in Aquatic Teaching - Disability Swimming
- STA Baby and Pre-School Swimming
- STA Pool Lifeguard Qualification
- STA Pool Emergency Responder Qualification
- STA Pool Plant Operators Qualification
- STA Swimming Pool Water Testing Qualification
- STA Pool Water Treatment
STA Award in Teaching Swimming
This qualification, developed by STA experts, helps you become a swimming teacher.
You will learn to teach key swimming skills, water safety, and all four strokes to adults and children.
This is internationally recognised and accredited by Ofqual and SQA Accreditation.
Entry Requirements:
Be at least 16 years old.
You must meet all requirements before the course starts. Certificates will not be issued if pre-requisites are missing.
Course date and times:
- 3 June 2026 - 10am to 7pm
- 4 June 2026 - 10am to 7pm
- 11 June 2026 - 10am to 7pm
- 18 June 2026 - 10am to 7pm
- 25 June 2026 - 10am to 7pm
Location:
Sun Lane Leisure Centre
Cost:
£350
STA Certificate in Teaching Swimming
This advanced course follows the STA Award in Teaching Swimming.
It allows you to teach competitive strokes, diving, and lifesaving skills.
The qualification meets CIMSPA’s swimming teacher professional standard.
Entry Requirements:
- be at least 16 years old
- hold the STA Award in Teaching Swimming qualification or an equivalent qualification (Note: The Swim England Level 1 Award is NOT accepted)
You must meet all requirements before the course starts. Certificates will not be issued if pre-requisites are missing.
STA Award in Aquatic Teaching - Disability Swimming
This course trains you to teach swimming to disabled individuals in mainstream or specialised lessons.
Swimming has huge benefits for everyone, and this course helps you create a safe and supportive environment.
Entry Requirements:
- be at least 16 years old
- hold the STA Award in Teaching Swimming qualification or an equivalent qualification (Note: The Swim England Level 1 Award is NOT accepted)
You must meet all requirements before the course starts. Certificates will not be issued if pre-requisites are missing.
STA Baby and Pre-School Swimming
Help babies and young children take their first steps in the water!
This course is ideal for those who love working with little ones and their families.
You will use songs and games to build water confidence in a fun and safe way.
Entry Requirements:
- be at least 18 years old
- hold a Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults certificate, or equivalent
Course date and times:
- 26 January 2026 - 9am to 6pm
- 2 February 2026 - 9am to 6pm
- 9 February 2026 - 9am to 6pm
- 16 February 2026 - 9am to 6pm
Location:
Aspire @ the Park
Cost:
£350
You must meet all requirements before the course starts. Certificates will not be issued if pre-requisites are missing.
STA Pool Lifeguard Qualification
This course prepares you for all aspects of lifeguarding, including rescues, CPR, and first aid.
It aligns with CIMSPA standards and covers poolside emergencies.
Entry Requirements:
- be at least 16 years old
- Must be able to:
- jump into deep water
- swim 50m in under 1 minute
- swim 100m on front and 100m on back without stopping
- tread water for 30 seconds
- surface dive and recover an object
- climb out of the pool unaided
Sun Lane Leisure Centre - course date and times:
- February half term Lifeguard Course (16 to 20 February 2026), 9am to 6pm
- February half term Blended Lifeguard Course (17 to 20 February 2026), 10am to 7pm
- August 17 to 21 2026 Lifeguard Course, 9am to 6pm
- 26 to 30 October 2026 Lifeguard Course, 9am to 6pm
Aspire @ the Park - course date and times:
- Easter Holidays Lifeguard Course (1, 2, 7, 8, 9 April 2026), 9am to 6pm
- July 21 to 24 2026 Blended Lifeguard Course, 9am to 6pm
Cost:
£280
STA Pool Emergency Responder
Ideal for hotel and leisure club staff with pools less than 1.5m deep.
This course teaches CPR, first aid, and aquatic rescue skills.
Entry Requirements:
- be at least 16 years old
- must be able to swim 25m and recover an object from the pool floor
STA Swimming Pool Water Testing
This short, four-hour course is ideal for those responsible for routine pool water tests, such as lifeguards.
Entry Requirements:
Be at least 16 years old.
STA Pool Water Treatment
This eight-hour course goes beyond water testing and covers pool water treatment.
It is a great introduction to pool maintenance before progressing to the Pool Plant Operators Qualification.
Entry Requirements:
Be at least 16 years old.
STA Pool Plant Operators Qualification
For those managing and maintaining pools, spas, and water features.
The course covers water testing, chemistry, filtration, disinfection, and energy efficiency.
This qualification meets CIMSPA’s professional standard.
Entry Requirements:
Be at least 16 years old.