Dave Candler has led the Swimming Teachers Association as CEO since 2016, bringing over 25 years of experience in aquatics education and leisure management. He previously spent a decade at Inspire Leisure managing operations and swimming programs, after having served as STA's youngest president and training hundreds of instructors.
Since taking the helm during challenging times, Candler has transformed the organization through innovative partnerships and quality-focused initiatives. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic — including introducing industry-first support measures and achieving strong member satisfaction scores — earned him ukactive's Outstanding Leadership Award in 2021. He also currently serves as CEO of the International Federation of Swimming Teachers' Associations, representing 23 countries committed to advancing swimming instruction and water safety standards globally.
