Swimming safety guidelines for babies and toddlers launched

National guidelines to ensure baby and toddler safety during swimming lessons were launched at Westminster this week.
The new Baby and Toddler Swimming Teaching Safety Guidelines have been developed to help keep children safe in swimming pools.

The guidelines have been released at a time when baby and toddler swimming sessions are increasing in popularity, with figures from the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) showing that almost half a million babies and toddlers will take part in swimming lessons this year.

Supported by the ASA, baby and toddler swim school Water Babies, and baby swimming product manufacturer Splash About International, the new guidelines aim to set the standard for British baby swimming lessons (up to age four).

Other recommendations made within the guidelines cover areas such as what type of nappy to use, pool temperature and other pool environment factors.

“Ensuring the safety of babies and toddlers in our pools is paramount. The publication of these Baby and Toddler Swimming Teaching Safety Guidelines means that for the first time there is a national standard for the industry,” said ASA chief executive Adam Paker.

“This will give swimming teachers, pool operators and underwater baby photographers the confidence that they are providing the best services possible, and parents the reassurance that important safeguarding and health and safety practices have been carefully considered.”

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