A Wiltshire-founded charity working to reduce drowning deaths among children worldwide is seeking a new trustee to help guide the organisation through its next phase of growth.
SwimTayka, a UK-based charity dedicated to teaching life-saving swimming and water-safety skills, is looking to appoint an additional trustee to join its five-strong board.
Founded eight years ago by Wiltshire resident Bryan Avery, SwimTayka focuses on delivering drowning-prevention programmes for children living near oceans, rivers and lakes where access to formal swimming lessons is limited or unavailable.
The charity is now keen to strengthen its governance as it prepares to expand its work beyond delivery and into structured grant-giving.
Bryan said SwimTayka has reached an important turning point.
“We’ve built a strong international reputation for delivering high-quality drowning-prevention lessons for children,” he said. “Now we’re taking the next step by developing a clear, transparent system for awarding grants to other organisations working towards the same goal.”
The charity is particularly interested in hearing from individuals with legal expertise who can help ensure the new grant programme is robust, fair and well-governed.
Globally, drowning claims an estimated 236,000 lives every year and remains one of the leading causes of death among children and young people. SwimTayka works in partnership with local organisations in countries including Brazil, Peru, Uganda and Indonesia, providing training, resources and volunteer support while building long-term local capacity through instructor development.
In 2026, the charity is also due to launch a pilot programme in the UK, aimed at children from under-served communities who may otherwise miss out on learning to swim.
As the charity broadens its impact, the role of trustees will be central to shaping its future direction.
“We’re looking for someone who can think strategically, make balanced decisions and share our commitment to safety, integrity and fairness,” Bryan added. “Our trustees will play a key role in designing a grant-giving framework that can eventually support projects in the UK and across every country where SwimTayka operates.”
He added that becoming a trustee offers the chance to make a tangible difference.
“At its heart, SwimTayka is about ensuring every child, whatever their background, has the opportunity to learn to swim, build confidence and stay safe around water.”
Applications for the trustee role close on 28 February 2026.
