BABY SWIMMING REACHES FOR THE STAR(FISH)
04.10.2006
A brand new water safety programme for babies has been launched today by STA, and is set to revolutionise the baby swimming market. Not only does STARFISH encompass six progressive levels of awards, but it is offered by STA to swim schools as a total package which includes numerous business opportunities, marketing support, and of course a progressive aquatic awareness programme for babies from 0 to 2 years old.
Roger Millward, Chief Executive of STA, explained the rationale behind the launch of the STARFISH programme: “Baby swimming is a significant growth market, and we have also seen a rapid rise in the number of independent baby swim schools in the last few years. Research conducted with our members shows that demand for baby swimming classes has increased considerably in recent years, and STA took the decision to begin development of an all-encompassing baby swimming programme to meet the market’s needs.”
“Of course the STARFISH programme also assists us to continue meeting our long-term commitment to encourage babies and young children into aquatic activities, and to help them develop this as a lifelong activity.”
The STARFISH series focuses on creating fun, positive experiences for babies which will not only help them to develop physically but also emotionally, intellectually and socially too; whilst equipping them with key safety and safe hold skills in the water. It builds upon STA’s commitment to making the water a safe and happy environment for very young children, and allows parents to feel assured that they are giving their children valuable skills.
Each of the STARFISH series’ six progressive levels have their own learning activities and teaching objectives, and are supported by colourful A4 certificates and woven badges. The certificates can be personalised by the swim schools themselves, and a special Adult and Baby certificate is also available which has space for a single or joint photo to be displayed. Finally, STA has also developed a memory book as part of the STARFISH supporting material, which allows parents and guardians to store treasured memories from their involvement in the STARFISH programme.
Swim schools are being encouraged to sign up to become STARFISH recognised; a status which carries a number of exciting benefits including a free swim school listing on STA’s popular online database, the presentation of an official STARFISH certificate, and significant merchandising and product sales opportunities. In addition, the swim school will receive a local PR campaign to launch the STARFISH programme, a 10% discount on the STAmark Swim School Assessment Package which in turn can lead to significant insurance savings, and very special prices on a whole range of essential baby swimming products, clothing, and accessories from STA partner, Konfidence, which swim schools can sell to their clients, allowing them to open up an additional revenue stream.
