More aquatic clubs have shown they are providing the best environment for all by successfully receiving Clubmark/swim21 accreditation from the ASA, the national governing body involved in every element of swimming. At the recent National Panel, 31 new swim21 accreditations were awarded, while 12 clubs received re-accreditation, showing their commitment to the programme for a further four years.
swim21 is the ASA's ‘quality mark' - recognising the club's commitment to providing safe, effective and quality services for the benefit of their swimmers and non-swimming members.

The majority of accreditations come from swimming clubs but the disciplines of Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo increased their numbers yet again this quarter, with two new accreditations from Synchro and four from Water Polo. This included the Manchester Sharks Water Polo Club, the first Club in the country to achieve the Foundation level for Water Polo.

The Manchester Sharks have weekly training sessions, compete in some of the world's largest sporting events, play in a local league and host international tournaments.

David Flack of the National Panel said:

"As well as those clubs who have worked to achieve accreditation for the first time, it is especially pleasing to see clubs who are coming back a second time to reaccredit, quite often adding a second or even a third swim21 level to their operation".