Splashing time for babies

BABIES as young as just a few weeks old from Castleknock, Blanchardstown and surrounding areas can now take part in swimming classes at a new local pool.

Water Babies baby and toddler swim school has just launched the classes at the recently opened Junction 6 leisure complex, just off the M50 in Castleknock.

Sisters Carol and Therese McNally, who run their Water Babies business from an office in Blanchardstown, introduced Water Babies to Ireland eight years ago and currently teach over 2,000 babies and toddlers how to swim every week.

The siblings now employ almost 30 permanent and part time staff and are delighted with their latest classes in the area.

“We are so excited to be able to teach Water Babies classes at a great new, warm pool in our local area,” said Carol.

“Water Babies specialist swimming classes are designed to make the most of babies’ natural affinity with water, teach confidence and safety, using expert techniques that have been enjoyed by children from just two days old!”

While Water Babies lessons are fun for both parent and little one, the course also has an extremely serious added benefit.

“Worryingly, research Water Babies commissioned this year in the UK revealed that 75 per cent of parents are unaware drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death in children,” Carol explained.

“In most cases it’s the shock of sudden submersion that causes children to panic. We passionately believe that by introducing babies to water as early as possible, they’ll be less likely to experience fear if they do fall in.

“Our research also showed that the average age children start swimming lessons is four, despite that fact they can start from birth. In fact, we’ve had pupils as young as just two days old.

“In the last few years at least ten tiny Water Babies pupils have saved their own lives, five of whom were just two years old at the time. It’s fantastic what vital skills children can learn, and it’s so important that they do so as soon as possible.” 

Water Babies are currently taking bookings for their winter term, which commences in November.   For more information, call 01-8249987 or visit www.waterbabies.ie.