We work with leisure organisations, local authorities, swim schools, and outdoor providers to improve inclusion and participation in aquatic environments.
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Cultural Competence in Aquatics and Outdoor Spaces
Why This Work Matters
Many people feel excluded from aquatic and outdoor environments not because they lack ability, but because the spaces themselves have not always felt welcoming or accessible.
Cultural expectations, historical exclusion, lack of representation, and different relationships with water all shape how individuals engage with swimming and outdoor environments.
Organisations across the leisure, education, and outdoor sectors increasingly recognise that improving access requires more than facilities and programmes. It requires understanding people’s experiences and removing the barriers that prevent participation.
Bold Waters supports organisations to build more inclusive, culturally aware aquatic and outdoor environments.
Cultural Competence CPD
Bold Waters has developed an online CIMSPA-accredited Cultural Competence in Leisure and Aquatics CPD, delivered in partnership with the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA), designed for professionals working in swimming, leisure, and outdoor environments.
The training explores:
• Cultural perspectives on swimming and water
• Barriers that affect participation
• Inclusive communication and engagement
• Practical strategies for working with diverse communities
The course is suitable for:
• Swim teachers
• Lifeguards
• Leisure centre staff
• Outdoor instructors
• Sports development teams
• Local authorities and community organisations
Consultancy and Advisory Work
We also work with organisations who want deeper support in developing inclusive aquatic and outdoor programmes.
Consultancy may include:
• Programme design and review
• Community engagement strategies
• Staff training and development
• Advisory support for new initiatives
• Partnership development
Work With Us
If your organisation is interested in training, consultancy, or partnership opportunities, we would be happy to discuss how we can support your work.
What We Offer
We provide consultancy, training, and advisory support to organisations working in aquatics, leisure, education, and outdoor recreation.
Our work focuses on helping organisations:
• Understand cultural and social barriers to swimming and water participation
• Build more inclusive aquatic and outdoor programmes
• Develop culturally competent staff practice
• Improve engagement with underserved communities
• Strengthen participation and retention across diverse groups