Baby Dippers, founded by Jayne Barden, is an opportunity for parents to introduce their babies and toddlers to the water and develop their water confidence in a fun and structured environment.

"Babies really love being in the water because it's natural to them," said Jayne.

"They have spent nine months surrounded by fluid and very often they are comforted by the water.

"Small babies have a natural gag reflex which allows them to submerge and not take in water, whereas older babies and toddlers are taught to hold their breath when they go under water through recognising commands."

Her scheme consists of a structured series of sessions in which babies are introduced to the water and do various activities, such as floating on their backs and learning how to reach out for floating toys and the side as well as submerging.

The classes involve teaching babies and toddlers without using arm bands and flotation aids so that they can enjoy the feel of their own buoyancy.

Toddlers are taught to enjoy the water and to have confidence in it, as well as developing the principles of the basic strokes.

An ex-competitive swimmer and secondary school PE teacher, Jayne has taught swimming for 15 years. She became involved with baby swimming following the birth of her son Oliver.

Being keen swimmers themselves, she and husband Martin wanted their son to be happy and confident in the water, and embarked on an infant swimming programme when he was a few months old.

"We were amazed at how quickly Oliver got used to it. He learned things so quickly, like kicking and reaching for a toy, it was wonderful and he really enjoyed himself," said Jayne.

After qualifying as a baby and toddler instructor, Jayne then
set up her own scheme, based on the Swimming Teachers' Association's (STA) Starfish programme.

She now teaches at specialist pools in Bournemouth, Poole and Portsmouth as well as Chichester.

Parent Sarah Roberts and her husband Andy have been taking their 14-month-old daughter Holly to Baby Dippers for several weeks now and find it a fun and relaxing way to spend the morning.

"I'm rubbish in the water – my parents didn't swim, and I was never confident," said Sarah.

"I went on holiday when I was about 20 and nearly drowned, so when Holly was born, I wanted her to be able to swim and be confident because of my experience.

"You miss out on so much if you can't swim – on the beach, on holiday, canoeing. I always said if I ever had children I'd want them to learn how to swim.

"I heard about Baby Dippers and just thought it was really important.

"Everything is explained to you, Holly absolutely loves it. Jayne teaches them how to roll over to the nearest side and how to reach out and hold the side. It gives them a really strong foundation.
"It's great because I can take her swimming on my own now – I'd never felt happy about that before."

Mike Reavley, whose son James has been having fun in the water, said: "I work all week so this is a chance for me to be a part of his development and to watch him interact with other children.

"He is a lot more confident and it's made a difference at home – there's a lot less crying at bath time. He's more comfortable now.

"It's great fun and a brilliant experience and it's nice for the parents as well."

Baby Dippers info. Next page.