A BABY swimming company has celebrated its 10th birthday with a special photoshoot with some of its first clients.

Water Babies Staffordshire and Cheshire was launched by Anna Bates in May 2007, after the birth of her first son and runs classes in Winsford, Weaverham, Wilmslow and Crewe. 

Since then, Anna has taught thousands of babies and toddlers in the Water Babies unique classes.

Anna said: “It was hard work, baby swimming was a relatively unknown concept 10 years ago, however our clients have always loved the classes and so word of mouth has helped us to grow to where we are today.

“The original 99 clients a week has now turned into 950 babies a week which is a fantastic achievement for my team, and of course I am really very proud of everyone involved.

“Running my business has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. Over the past 10 years we’ve not only hugely increased the number of babies we teach on a weekly basis, but also the number of pool locations and swimming teachers.

“I’m so proud not only to pass on such a vital and amazing skill to little ones, but also to employ so many fantastic people and help them to enjoy a great work life balance.”

To help celebrate the 10th birthday, Anna invited eight of her original babies, now 10 years old, back for a special underwater photoshoot. The children all received their invites via a very special ‘Golden Ticket’.

“The results are fantastic,” Anna added. “The pictures look brilliant, and it was clear to see how much everyone still loves the water 10 years on. The parents tell me they still look back on the classes with very fond memories.”

Water Babies teach babies from newborn to four in warm water pools across Cheshire.

Anna said: “Swimming with your baby is a great way to relax and have fun together away from the stress of everyday life.

“Water provides the perfect exercise as it allows even the smallest baby to move freely without constraint.

“One of the best things about our work is knowing that teaching a child basic water safety and confidence in the water could save their life. We teach life survival skills to babies very early on, getting them used to floating on their backs or, following a sudden submersion, swimming to the nearest solid object.”