A new swim school is making waves with baby and toddler classes designed to build water confidence from the earliest age.
Baby Squids North Yorkshire, launched by lifelong aquatic expert Alex Mazier, is now running sessions in Harrogate and York with a focus on water safety, fun, and early childhood development.
Baby Squids is renowned for its child-led approach, focusing on building water confidence through play, song, and quality bonding time for children aged 0-4 years and beyond.
Mr Mazier said: "My work with adults and older children taught me that early exposure isn't just a nice thing to have, it's vital.
"I saw firsthand how aquaphobia develops when intervention comes too late.
"I decided I could have the biggest impact by working at the very beginning of someone's journey, helping babies and toddlers foster a positive, joyful relationship with water before fear ever has a chance to set in."
The lessons aim to develop water confidence and essential life-saving skills while strengthening the bond between parent and child.
Mr Mazier’s own experience shapes his approach.
He said: "I didn't start lessons until I was five, and I was a very anxious child in the pool.
"I was much slower to develop than my peers who had started as babies.
"It took a truly kind, patient instructor to coax me away from the side and help me find my confidence.
"I want to be that teacher for families in North Yorkshire and provide a safe, calm environment where parents and children can bond while learning essential water confidence and life-saving skills."
Mr Mazier began his career in aquatics at 16 as an assistant swim teacher.
That same year, he became men’s captain of the Vale Royal Lifesaving Society, mentoring peers and training future instructors.
Since then, his career has spanned leisure centres, private coaching, and teaching individuals of all ages.
Mr Mazier officially launched Baby Squids North Yorkshire on June 6 at Ashville Sports Centre in Harrogate.
The franchise now runs weekly classes at venues including Stamford Bridge, Henshaws College, and Everlast Gym in York.
Mr Mazier brings a personal mission to his work in North Yorkshire, aiming to ensure no child grows up with the same fear of water he once had.
Baby Squids North Yorkshire is now accepting bookings.
For more information or to find a class, visit babysquids.co.uk or email northyorkshire@babysquids.co.uk.