Somerset babies taking part in Splashathon charity events

The swimmers, aged from birth to five-years-old, are among 47,000 participants from across the UK, including 1,500 from Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Salisbury.

Water Babies, a nation-wide franchise running swimming classes for infants, is organising the events, which will take place from March 11 to March 17.

The local Splashathons will occur in towns across the South West, such as Taunton, Wellington and Yeovil.

These charity events are no ordinary swim sessions; they involve the young athletes completing swimming challenges while dressed in their favourite fancy-dress costumes.

The Splashathon initiative, which has been part of Water Babies since 2006, has raised over £5 million thus far.

This year, the ambitious goal is to raise a record-breaking £1 million for the charities Tommy’s and the Children’s Alliance.

Howard Harrison, CEO at Water Babies, expressed his enthusiasm, saying: "We’re thrilled for Splashathon to return to Water Babies lessons and raise funds for two amazing charities, which help to give better starts and brighter futures to children and young people in our communities."

The funds could support the UK’s first Tommy’s National Centre for Preterm Birth Research for a year, which aims to reduce the number of babies born prematurely.

Additionally, the raised money can also make a significant impact in the lives of children who struggle with social, emotional, or mental health issues by supporting various local initiatives.

Tamsin Brewis at Children’s Alliance said: "We can’t wait for Splashathon and to watch families come together in their swimming lessons for this special sponsored event.

"We’re so appreciative of every water baby taking part, who will be helping us to give better starts and brighter futures to children across the country."

For more details and information on how to participate, visit www.waterbabies.co.uk.