As part of our Love the Water campaign, we’re celebrating the powerful, real‑life stories of families whose Water Babies journeys have made an impact far beyond the pool. From building confidence and strengthening bonds to overcoming long‑held fears, our lessons are designed to help children develop a positive, lifelong relationship with water – while supporting parents every step of the way, too.
In this blog, Qasim shares his inspiring experience of joining Water Babies as a non‑swimmer, facing his own fear of water, and discovering unexpected confidence alongside his young son, Haaris. His story shows how starting baby swim lessons early can shape not only a child’s development, but a parent’s relationship with the water as well.
Starting Our Swim Journey
My name is Qasim, and I’m Haaris’ dad. We began our Water Babies journey back in 2021 and have now been swimming for around five years. What started as something new has become a really special part of our weekly routine together.
For us, swimming has always felt like an essential life skill. We wanted our children to learn as early as possible and grow up feeling confident and comfortable in the water. Starting young felt like the best way to give them that strong foundation.
Facing My Own Fears
When we first started lessons, I was extremely nervous. I didn’t know how to swim and had always been afraid of being in the water. I’d taken a few lessons beforehand to try to build my confidence, but I still wasn’t able to swim.
From day one, our Water Babies teacher, Jess, was incredible. She immediately put me at ease. Whenever an activity involved the parent swimming, she stepped in to support me so I never felt overwhelmed. That reassurance made all the difference. It allowed me to relax, enjoy the lessons, and, most importantly, make sure I didn’t pass any of my own fears on to Haaris.
Learning New Skills Together
Being in the pool week after week taught me so much. I learned how to stay calm in the water instead of panicking, and I picked up techniques like “Tiger Arms” and how to position my ankles properly when kicking. I also learned how to safely support Haaris in the water and discovered fun exercises we could use together while on vacation.
All of these small steps slowly built my confidence without me even realizing it. Before I knew it, and almost naturally, I found that I was able to swim.
A Message for Other Parents
If you’re a parent who feels nervous about taking your little one to swim lessons because you’re not confident in the water, let this be your reassurance: you’re not alone, and you have nothing to fear. The teachers are incredibly supportive and will guide you every step of the way, no matter where you’re starting from.
Our experience with Water Babies has been truly amazing. Both Jenny and Jess have been wonderful with our children, and it really shows in their confidence, skills, and love for swimming. We’re so grateful for everything they’ve helped us achieve as a family.
If Qasim and Haaris’ journey has inspired you, there’s never been a better time to start your own. Water Babies lessons begin from birth and are designed to help little ones build confidence, learn vital life skills, and fall in love with the water from their very first splash.
Ready to begin your story? Start baby swimming with Water Babies today.
