BABIES as young as just a few days can now take part in swimming classes in South Manchester. The programme, run by Vicki and David Oldfield, is designed to make the most of babies’ natural affinity with water and teaches confidence and safety, using specialist techniques that see many swimming short distances from as young as 30 months. Yes, really.
"We believe that by introducing babies to the water from as early as possible, they’ll be less likely to experience fear if they do fall in."
Vicki was a synchronised swimmer in her youth before she went on to pursue a career in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Nursing, however, her love of water remained and her son William took his first dip with Water Babies when he was only a few weeks old.
“Water Babies has brought so much fun, enjoyment and confidence to our own children,” said Vicki. “We see it as a privilege and pleasure to watch other babies blossom too.”
Vicki’s husband David, a former Primary School Teacher turned full time Dad, became an instructor after a chance conversation with a William’s Water Babies instructor. Their second child Emily was born in the bath at home and had her first introduction to a real pool when she was just five days old.
Water Babies, Manchester
“Our aim is to create a really fun, sociable and energetic atmosphere,” continued Vicki. “Plus it’s a great way for parents to meet other mums and dads who live in the local area.”
Despite the emphasis on fun, the course does have a very serious safety point to it. “Tragically, drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death among children in the UK,” said David. “In most cases it’s the shock of sudden submersion that causes children to panic. We believe that by introducing babies to the water from as early as possible, they’ll be less likely to experience fear if they do fall in.
“In the last three years, we’ve had ten of our tiny clients nationally save their own lives. It’s fantastic what vital skills children can learn, and it’s so important that they do. Five of these children were just 24 months when it happened.”
Water Babies classes take place on Monday and Thursday mornings at the Manchester Airport Marriot Hotel and at Wright Robinson College and Gorton Education Village on Sundays.
For more information phone Vicki and David on 0161 312 0048 or visit www.waterbabies.co.uk
