Swimming Safely
The highest level of safety for you and your baby
The number of baby specific swim schools has increased rapidly over the past few years with some of the best companies in the country inspired by the training of pioneers from both America and Australia.
With over 40,000 babies swimming in specialised classes in this country each week, baby swimming is a popular activity. Not surprising as it provides an excellent early life skill and fantastic bonding opportunity for new parents and carers.
However, with this increase in baby swim classes, it is more important than ever for you to know that you and your baby are safe.
Peace of mind
Parents who choose Aqua Babies classes can have huge peace of mind as we are not only one of the most longstanding baby swim schools in the country, so we offer an enormous amount of experience, but we also carry the STAmark accreditation with distinction. In fact we were the first baby swim school to be assessed and achieve the award in 2005.
Aqua Babies follows recognised safe teaching guidelines and codes of conduct specific to baby swimming and submersions. These guidelines are set out by The Swim Teachers Association and WABC (World Aquatic Babies and Children Network).
Wendy Edmondson founder of Aqua Babes (UK) Ltd said:
“In view of the boom in baby swimming over recent years, it is really important that standards are kept high and classes are safe, structured and fun, giving babies and toddlers confidence in water as well as such an important life skill.”
Aqua Babies most recent STAmark assessment states: “Being responsible for the safe running of their own pool means that there is a high level of awareness of Health and Safety issues and systems. Comprehensive risk assessments for both pools and specific activities are carefully prepared and regularly updated, with a clear understanding of the risks involved and the steps taken to reduce them.” D. Goldstone STAmark assessment report March 2012.
Aqua Babies teachers have qualifications, training and experience specific to infant and toddler swimming. As WABC guidelines state: “Because of the developmental differences between the young child and older children, teachers must have specific understanding, aptitude, patience and enthusiasm for this age group.
Teachers also hold and update regularly RLSS National Rescue Award for Swim Teachers and Coaches. This is re-validated every 2 years and as a team. Every six months we update all these necessary lifesaving and first aid skills with our RLSS trainer/assessor.
Aqua Babies lessons teach safety skills that can save lives
Not only are our courses safe and our teachers well trained, the skills our toddlers acquire may well save their lives.
A confident relaxed breath hold and the ability to turn and swim back to the side are essential if toddlers end up unexpectedly in water.
As well as focusing on confidence in the water, Aqua Babies courses teach babies and toddlers key safety skills.
From gentle belly flops for baby (which teaches them how to splash into water without shock or fear), through to toddlers learning to jump in, turn underwater and return to the poolside.
Skills that have saved countless lives around the world.
