Water is a leveller, a place where everyone can flourish and have fun in a non-competitive environment. At Water Babies, we believe that every child can learn how to be safe in the water and enjoy swimming, so this week we will be sharing the stories of some of our amazing swimmers.
Sarah and Ebony joined Water Babies two years ago, Ebony is two and a half and she was born with Borjeson-Forssman-Lehmann Syndrome. An incredibly rare condition that doesn't have a lot of information available about it.
Learning to swim has always been important part of Sarah and Mike's lives and they wanted to be able to share that with Ebony. After Ebony was born it became even more important to them because of the strength and core benefits it would provide Ebony.
Swimming has helped support her and provide her with a fun environment where she can interact with other parents and children.
Ebony's favourite part of the lesson is when she gets to sing Horsey Horsey sat on her woggle.
Watch her full story:
At Water Babies, there are no barriers to learning how to swim.
Freddie and his mum Marie have been swimming with Water Babies for about a year and a half. Freddie was born with variety of conditions and they started swimming because they wanted to show him that nothing can stop him.
He swam with a stoma bag attached and managed to avoid any accidents, Freddie also has airway and mobility problems. Swimming in the pool has been really good for Freddie and his mobility.
Freddie love splashing around and playing with the fish during his Water Babies lessons whilst having fun with other children in his classes.
Watch Freddie's full story:
We welcome everyone to our lessons and will adapt everything to suit you and your little one so that you can feel comfortable and supported while your little one has a splash in the pool.
Swimming has a whole range of benefits for babies and toddlers with disabilities and learning difficulties. As well as the physical rewards swimming brings (things like the buoyancy in the water helping to reduce pressure on the bones and joints), it also helps improve their confidence.
After having their first child swim with Water Babies in 2015, Georgia's mum Kirstin felt it was really important that she joined and started her Water Babies journey. Georgia was born with Downs Syndrome and since joining Water Babies, Georgia's water confidence has improved hugely and she has no fear around the water at all.
When Georgia was first born Kirstin was worried that she may not be able to do or be included in the same activities her sister was already doing. The use of British Sign Language within her class made Georgia feel even more included.
Watch Georgia's full story: