Parents in York will soon be able to get their babies making a splash, when a new swimming class for tiny tots starts this month, as health reporter LUCY STEPHENS found out.

IT'S never too early to start swimming - that is the motto of a baby teaching school that will be opening its first classes in York this month.

In every other part of their lives, tiny babies are totally reliant on the adults around them.

But when they get into the water, they can amaze their parents by how quickly they take to it.

That is the philosophy behind Water Babies, a UK-wide swim school, which is opening in York from April 18.

Arran MacDonald, who runs the company in Yorkshire with partner Janice Walker, says: "It's really never too early to start exercising.

"The first year of a baby's life is crucial in terms of their development - their brain grows more rapidly at this time than at any other - and regular exercise plays a vital role.

"When you consider that every movement they make has a direct effect on strengthening their brain for new learning, you can see how swimming without the constraints of gravity is so effective.

"It's also very special in that it is the only structured activity you can do with your newborn literally from birth."

Janice says: "We have always wanted to open classes in York, and have had many clients from the city travelling to classes across the region, so we're delighted that we can now offer lessons closer to home."

So why do babies take to the water so easily?

The theory is that tiny babies find warm water very calming - but also familiar, having spent their time in the womb suspended in fluid.

Arran says it is also important for a tot's confidence. "It's easy to see a baby's confidence quickly developing - and often the increase in the parents' confidence is equally remarkable.

"Just as important, with progressive training, babies can be taught vital lifesaving skills, such as turning onto their backs or swimming to the nearest solid object following a sudden submersion."

Dr David Fair, a York GP at Jorvik Medical Practice, is all in favour of getting babies and their parents swimming together - as long as both are in a supervised environment.

"Babies seem to have a natural affinity for it, they don't seem to come to any harm," he says. "It's an excellent exercise - it exercises all their muscles in their joints, and improves co-ordination.

"They seem to find it very relaxing and enjoyable. It helps mums bond with their children by showing them how to swim."

Half-hour Water Babies classes will run at Applefields School in Burnholme, and at New Earswick Swimming Pool, from April 18. For more information, phone 01943 872556, or log on to www.waterbabies.co.uk

Some NHS advice on swimming with babies

  • Babies with ear infections should not swim l Don't go swimming with your baby if they are infectious in other ways, for example, with a heavy cold.
  • Babies who are feverish may not feel like swimming for a few days.
  • If your baby has had a tummy bug, wait for two days after they have had a solid movement before taking them swimming.