Water babies who are taking the plunge at nine days old
a thIrd of all children in the uK cannot swim, reports the swimming teachers’ association.
tamsin Brewis, who runs a Water Babies swimming school franchise, says the key to teaching swimming is starting children young.
tamsin says: ‘Babies can go swimming from birth. Chloe smith, for instance, who lives with parents steve and rachel, in aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, had her first lesson with us at nine days old. now, aged three, she can almost swim unaided.’
Do they risk getting cold?
‘not if the swimming conditions are safe,’ says tamsin. ‘all the pools we use are heated to at least 30 c, or 32 c for babies under 12 lb/5.5 kg or 12 weeks old.’ tamsin recommends that parents dress their babies in wellfitting suits, and newborns and toddlers spend no more than half an hour in the water.
‘If their lips or fingernails start to go blue, get out and take them into a warm shower,’ she says.
What if my child becomes scared of water?
‘Most go through this developmental phase between eight and 24 months. It can be interpreted as fear of water, but actually they are becoming self-aware and want to avoid separation from their carer. they may feel the swimming pool environment is “out of control” and become clingy. this phase passes.’
tamsin advises parents to talk to their baby, so that they feel they are making a joint decision.
How can I allay my fears?
‘after floating in the womb, warm water feels more familiar to babies than air, so nurture it by starting swimming young, ’ says tamsin.
she reassures parents no question is silly and they should feel confidence in their swim school. tamsin says babies benefit from a formal lesson structure and the training of Water Babies teachers, adding: ‘We encourage all families to go swimming and develop water confidence at all ages.’
Paul thompson, group executive chairman of Water Babies, says: ‘We look for people to run our franchised businesses who have excellent communication skills and sensitivity, and understand the needs of young families.’
a Water Babies franchise costs £30,000, including baby swimming teacher training.