(Image: Puddle Ducks Tees Valley)
A SWIM school has launched new classes for babies and toddlers in a North Yorkshire coastal town.
Puddle Ducks, Tees Valley, has launched at Saltmoore Beach House, in Sandsend Road, Whitby - and will be offering classes for children aged 0 to four.
Taking place every Friday morning, the lessons will be held in a shallow temperature-controlled pool, helping children develop essential swimming and water safety skills.
Ellie Cawdell, franchise owner at Puddle Ducks Tees Valley, said: "We're absolutely delighted to have launched our new classes in Whitby.
"It's an exciting milestone for us as we bring Puddle Ducks to a completely new area, giving even more families the opportunity to introduce their little ones to swimming from an early age."
The expansion comes amid growing national concerns about swimming proficiency.
Department for Education data published in August revealed that only 72 per cent of Year 6 pupils nationally could swim 25 metres, and just 70 per cent could perform safe self-rescue.
Ellie said: "Saltmoore Beach House is a beautiful venue and such a lovely environment for our classes.
"Having exclusive use of the pool means we can create calm, personal sessions where children can develop their confidence at their own pace, while families can enjoy watching their progress."
Puddle Ducks teachers are STA-qualified and trained in the company's child-centred approach, with lessons tailored to each child's development and confidence level.
Classes start at 10am each Friday.
For more information or to book a session, visit www.puddleducks.com/local-teams/york-hull-east-yorkshire/our-pools-classes/saltmoore-beach-house-pool.