BABY SWIMMING STARS
(FREE BABY SWIMMING LESSONS AVAILABLE FROM MOTHERCARE)
21.03.2007
As part of an exciting new initiative to promote the benefits of swimming, Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) has teamed up with Mothercare to offer parents free STARFISH baby swimming sessions this summer.
STARFISH is a brand new baby-swimming programme that has been specifically designed by STA for babies from birth to 2 years old. It offers parents a clear and structured teaching programme with six progressive levels, and an incentive each step of the way with colourful certificates and high-quality woven badges, featuring friendly STARFISH characters, to mark their achievements.
Roger Millward, Chief Executive of STA says: “We are delighted to team up with leading high street retailer Mothercare, and we will be working together through this promotion to communicate the benefits of baby swimming, whilst providing parents the opportunity to attend a swimming lesson for free at one of our recognised STARFISH swim schools.”
Mr Millward adds: “Although children won't be co-ordinated enough to learn to swim properly until they are two or three, parents can help them to feel confident and relaxed in the water and make swimming a fun way to exercise. 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 skills in the water. The baby swimming sessions will help to make the water a safe and happy environment for very young children, and will also allow parents to feel assured that they are giving their children truly valuable life skills.”
Swimming programmes specifically designed for babies have significantly grown in popularity in recent years, as parents are becoming more aware of the importance of introducing their baby to the water early. This is supported by the results of a recent web survey conducted by STA, which shows a dramatic 84% increase in the number of babies (under the age of 2) across the UK who are taking part in swimming sessions in the last two years.
Parents will be eligible for free STARFISH swimming lessons when they buy any wetsuit, swim jacket or float suit from Mothercare carrying the STARFISH promotional tag. The offer ends 17th August 2007.
For further information, or to locate your nearest STARFISH swim school, please visit www.starfishswimming.org. Alternatively please visit www.mothercare.com.
EDITORS’ NOTES
As at 1st March 2007, there is 78 STARFISH recognised swim schools, which are operating out of 130 swimming pools across the UK, teaching almost 30,000 children every week.
The prices of products referenced are: Swim Jackets £26.99, Wet Suits £19.99, and Float Suits £24.99.
