Today they employ qualified instructors all over the UK.  Here they answer many of the questions that retailers of swimming equipment are often asked by parents.

What age should you first take a baby swimming? 

Government recommendations do not require babies to wait until they have had their injections, and at Puddle Ducks we take babies at any age from birth into our classes.  If specialised baby swimming classes are not available in suitable pools (i.e. where the water temperature is slightly higher than that of standard pool), then it may be advisable to wait until a baby is a few months old before they go to a standard leisure pool.

Why do so many babies and children enjoy water?

It's a natural environment for them having just spent 9 months in the womb and allows great freedom of movement.  Remember that water can be fun. We encourage the children to kick, splash, blow bubble and spurt water as part of the lessons.   It's also an opportunity for bonding and close eye contact between parent and child with their faces being at the same level in the water.

Are there any golden rules about when not to swim?

Our three golden rules are DO NOT swim:

1. If your child has a contagious illness, diarrhoea or an eye / ear infection
2. If the water is too cold, or you are unsure about the chemical levels
3. In water out of an adult's depth, and with small children or babies we recommend at least one adult for each child

Is it a good idea to use a buoyancy aid or armbands?

Armbands can be fun for children, but they can quickly become dependent on them and don't provide the correct alignment in the water.  In Puddle Ducks classes we use foam buoyancy aids which encourage the children to hold on themselves; a key life-saving skill, rather than let something else take the weight of the child.

At what age can you introduce the strokes?

Toddlers - Basic kicking and splashing can be introduced in a fun way

Pre-schoolers - can be taught simple paddling and better alignment in the water

Four years old+ - Specific stroke development can be introduced

Does a parent need to join in with child at first?

It recommended that there is always at least one adult for a baby or small child.  In our classes we require a parent (or carer) for the baby or child until they are three years old and competent swimmers and we find that parents love spending time in the water with their child and find it a wonderful experience!

Where can I find out about local swim classes for mothers and toddlers?

Puddle Ducks offer classes across the UK visit www.puddleducks-swimming.co.uk for more details.

Summary of Puddle Ducks Lessons

• Floaties - for babies under 6 months old.
• Splashers - for babies from 7 to 12 months old.
• Kickers - for developing toddlers up to age 2 years old.
• Little Dippers - for confident toddlers over the age of 2 years old.
• Dippers - are for competent toddlers over the age of 2 years old.
• Dabblers - are for independent little swimmers over the age of three years.
• Puddle Ducks Swim Academy - in these lessons we aim to develop strokes through games and creative thinking, continuing the same ethos seen in our pre-school classes. In doing this we teach children to swim independently at an early age without the use of armbands.