An eight-time Invictus Games gold medal winner nicknamed the ‘prince of the pool’ has been appointed as the open water swimming/water safety ambassador for the Swimming Teachers Association (STA).

Mike Goody – who took part in both the 2014 and 2016 multi-sport event for sick and injured armed service personnel – will help to raise the awareness of the importance of swimming, highlighting the 400 drownings every year and the high accidental death rate among children.

“Over the past few years since rekindling my love of swimming – particularly open water swimming – I’m genuinely surprised by how many people, and not just kids, I’ve come across that cannot swim,” said Goody. “I’d like everyone, young and old, to be given the opportunity to learn, for safety and fun.”

Goody lost his leg below the knee in 2011, three years after being injured in Afghanistan. He is now in training to become a professional para-athlete.

Dave Candler, STA chief executive, said Goody was an “inspiration”.

“His success at the Invictus Games demonstrates huge fortitude and shows what a great sporting talent he is,” added Candler. “We’re really looking forward to working with him because he will be a superb spokesman for us in our efforts to champion the importance of water safety education.”