An increase in demand for children’s swimming lessons in China has opened the door for the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) to help the government with training and standards.

The organisation has signed a partnership agreement with the newly-formed China International Swimming Teachers’ Association (CISTA), which has been set up by the Chinese government, to educate local swimming teachers and lifeguards.

Demand for swimming lessons has surged since the Chinese government scrapped its one-child policy in 2015, resulting in a baby boom.

As a result, new facilities and swim schools are being built across the country, accelerating the need for qualified instructors.

The partnership will see CISTA offering the “full spectrum” of STA qualifications, including Swimming Teaching, Disabilities, Lifeguarding, Pool Plant, First Aid and CPDs.

With the support of the STA, CISTA will offer “bespoke consultancy services” for new swim school start-ups and existing aquatic businesses.

Dave Candler, STA chief executive, said the opportunity for swimming in China – with a population of 1.3bn people – was “immense”.

“It’s great to be able to partner CISTA at the beginning of their historical journey,” he added.

“We look forward to supporting their mission of raising teaching standards and providing families the opportunity to access quality learn to swim programmes across China.”

CISTA chief development officer Anita Sharma said: “We want to provide world-class training facilities and ensure that resources are available for the renewal of qualifications and ongoing professional development – we want CISTA to be an organisation which everyone involved in swimming provision can turn to at any time for advice or help.”