Swimbabes

Now that T is getting older I’m starting to think about swimming lessons. The thought of pulling on a swimsuit to accompany T’s on her first aquatic adventure is less than appealing. However, it may prove necessary as I’ve noticed that T is anxious in water during “hair wash time” and a trip to the swimming baths may be in order.

A know some parents introduce their little ones to swimming at the first possible opportunity but I didn’t want to rush it and now I’m not sure what to do for the best.

Fortunately I was able to chat to George Molloy, the director of Swimbabes baby swim school in Yorkshire, who took time out to share tips on how to prepare for your first dip with your little one.

Tell me more about Swimbabes
We are a family run swim school dedicated to providing baby classes in over a dozen venues across the Yorkshire area including Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Halifax, Sheffield and Chesterfield. We now teach over 1600 babies a week to swim.

We specialise in running infant aquatic classes for babies from 4 weeks of age within the Yorkshire area. Our baby swim programme is designed to develop the key skills needed for water safety and water confidence. As well as the swim school we operate an online shop at www.swimbabes.co.uk selling swim, beach, snow and travel products for babies and toddlers.

Why did you decide to get into the swimming business?
We started the company in October 2003 to allow my wife and I more time to be with our son who was born with a serious heart condition.

Our previous jobs involved long days and lots of travel and after our son, Josh and daughter Eve was born we didn’t have the same passion for our jobs. Josh absolutely loved swimming; he enjoyed being in the water and we all found this experience very rewarding.

Josh is now at school and fighting fit, and we wanted every parent to enjoy helping to teach their child this important life skill.

What does a Swimbabes course cover?
Our course is a structured programme, which encourages each child to develop at their own pace. We teach them the key life saving skills and importantly, to enjoy the water.

Our little swimmers can join us from one month of age and they receive a course booklet detailing the four main levels to our programme which they can aspire to – preliminary, intermediate, advanced and swimschool. The little ones all receive certificates after each stage.

My daughter is 15 months and just recently she’s started to become really nervous if I lean her backwards in the bath. I don’t want her to develop a fear of water, what would you advise to help build her confidence?
You could try to relax her by play with toys and then gently introduce moving her on to her back whilst still using distraction techniques such as toys or song and give her lots of praise.

What’s the best age to introduce your little one to swimming?
Generally we find the younger the baby the more naturally they ease into the course and swimming. We take babies from as young as four weeks and up to 18 months on our new starter courses; the pools we use have warm water and are baby friendly.

What swimwear products do you recommend parents invest in?
All our swimmers have to wear a dual nappy system, which consists of a disposable swim nappy along with a specialist outer nappy. You can also have matching tops and swimsuits for the girls. Wetsuits are very useful to have as you can use them on holiday or at pool you may visit.

What advice would you give to parents who are nervous about introducing their little ones to swimming?
Many of our parents who bring their babies along are nervous initially but our structured lessons and experienced teachers will help guide and encourage the parent to have more confidence and fun in the water.

Our aim is for parents and children to have fun, learn this very important life skill and to enjoy the water.

For more information on Swimbabes visit www.swimbabes.co.uk. You can also find Swimbabes on Twitter.

January 26, 2011. Daddies, Swimming.