‘Water baby’ classes being pioneered in Britain


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Dr Francoise Freedman, a part time anthropology lecturer at Cambridge University, is leading a pilot scheme in the UK that sets out to introduce tiny babies to swimming – long before they can develop a fear of water.

Dr Freedman’s technique centres around gradually encouraging babies under 12 months of age to swim underwater. Her theory is, that having spent so many months immersed in amniotic fluid in the womb, water is an environment they find not just familiar, but reassuring.

Initially, the babies are held at the surface of the water and encouraged to get used to the sensation of buoyancy. Little by little they are lowered deeper and deeper until they are totally submerged – but only ever for a few seconds at a time.

According to Dr Freedman, this experience does not make the children anxious – they actively enjoy it. Furthermore, they gain complete confidence in the water, which makes them much more receptive to learning to swim conventionally without fear at a later date.

Dr Freedman’s underwater swimming clubs for babies are currently taking place at the Kentish Town Sports Centre in north London.

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