Total Fitness has launched a competition for a chance to win four weeks of free baby swim lessons at its Whitefield club.

This comes after research showed that learning to swim under three is essential for motor development and motor development is essential in the first 1,000 days of life.

Previous research has shown that as babies are able to make movements they cannot perform on the ground, they see a significant increase in their motor skills compared to those who don’t make swimming a regular activity.

This includes the development of a range of vital skills and functions including motor skills, balance, physical development and confidence levels.

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To enter the competition, entrants must be able to bring their little one to one of the three age categories at the Whitefield club.

A full list of terms and conditions are listed on Total Fitness’s website and the competition closes on August 13.

The lessons, which are available for babies and toddlers aged from birth to three, are now available to book at the Whitefield club.

The lessons will be delivered in Total Fitness’ family pools and will be available for three age categories: 0-12 months, 12-24 months, and 24-36 months.

Each 40-minute swim lesson is designed to be both fun and educational and will require an adult in the water alongside the baby or toddler.

After 30 minutes in the water, there is a further 10 minutes at the end of the lesson, dedicated to providing all-important feedback by Total Fitness baby swim coaches.

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Head of brand development at Total Fitness, Kerry Curtis, said: “Swimming is an essential skill for everyone as not only can it save lives, but more recent studies show how important it can be for the development of babies and toddlers.

“Our baby swim offering puts a particular focus on the types of movements and activities that will help encourage the development of key motor skills, which may not be something parents would know or feel comfortable doing.

“We hope that introducing babies to a swimming pool from a younger age will encourage growth and confidence in all our participants.

“To achieve this, we designed our baby and toddler swim programme with parents in mind, as we know from speaking directly to members how important it was to create a product that truly meets their needs as well as their baby.

“77 per cent of our new joiners cite the pool as the main reason for joining, so the launch of our Baby Swim Programme is just the first enhancement of our poolside experience that strengthens our commitment to lifelong fitness.”

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The baby swim lessons will operate for 50 weeks of the year delivering both weekday and weekend lessons and is available to both members and non-members.

To enter the competition, all you need to do is enter your details on the Total Fitness website here.

The competition closes on August 13.

For further terms and conditions, visit the Total Fitness website.

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