A NEW swim school for babies and toddlers has opened in Carlisle. 

Dinkies Swim School provides swimming lessons to babies and toddlers aged between 12 weeks and four years old and has opened its newest branch in Carlisle.

The school already runs a number of branches across the north east and recently expanded into Scotland.

Lessons in Carlisle will begin on Monday, November 4 at Carrock View Pool and will take place weekly. Sessions will also take place on Friday mornings at Quarrybeck Pool in Brampton. 

Kate Bostock is at the head of the new Carlisle branch of Dinkies Swim School and explained the aims of the expansion into north Cumbria.

She said: "Our aim is to teach as many children to be confident and safe in the water as well as teaching them how to swim.

"We want to do this in the most affordable and fun way and our lesson prices are very competitive compared to other swim schools who offer similar. 

"The initial response to our social media posts has been most welcoming and there are still some spaces available in our lessons.  

"We pride ourselves on creating a great rapport with both children and adults. Our lessons are fun and interactive, teaching water safety and confidence through games and songs.

"We are child-led so will never expect your child to do something that they or you as their parent or carer don't want them to do."

For Kate, swimming is an essential life skill and she explained how at the new Dinkies Swim School branch in Carlisle they will prioritise not only swimming but making children aware of the potential dangers of water

She said: "Yes absolutely. Our lessons don't just teach little ones to swim.

"We teach the children about the dangers of water and how they can keep themselves safe in and around water and what to do if they get into danger. 

"It is a very important life skill."