Following the endorsement of its swimming qualification by the UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) accreditation panel, British Swimming has now successfully added Level One coaching certificates in diving, synchronised swimming and water polo to the national scheme.

British Swimming is one of six sports involved in the first stage of the UKCC scheme, which is being led by sports coach UK. The first qualifications are scheduled to be available from January next year.

Ultimately, British Swimming’s qualifications will offered from levels one to four in teaching and coaching all four disciplines.

Assistant coach education manager Alan Rapley said: "British Swimming has always been a leader in sports education and by working towards the UKCC it allows us to improve on good practice and make it great practice.”

"The challenge has been to get all four sports to a level where they can be endorsed and we can provide the resources."