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Making a Splash in North Yorkshire as Baby Squids Launches New Baby and Toddler Swim Classes in Harrogate and now York.
A new swim school, Baby Squids North Yorkshire, has launched their adult and child, early years and pre-school swimming lessons in Harrogate and York, bringing a super supportive and nurturing approach to water safety for local families.
Alex Mazier, a lifelong aquatic expert and former lifesaving captain, is the new franchise owner of the UK swim school business that is set to transform the way local families approach the water. Alex officially launched Baby Squids North Yorkshire at Ashville Sports Centre in Harrogate, on the 6th June. He is excited to now be offering weekly lessons at Stamford Bridge and Henshaws College too.
With a career that spans from coaching rookie lifeguards to teaching 70-year-old beginners, Alex is bringing a wealth of expertise and a deeply personal mission to the region’s local pools. His goal? To ensure that no child in North Yorkshire grows up with the same aquaphobia he experienced as a young boy.
Alex’s journey began at just 16 years old as an assistant swim teacher. That same year, he was appointed Men’s Captain of the Vale Royal Lifesaving Society, where he mentored peers and trained the next generation of instructors. Over the following years, Alex’s career took him from leisure centers to 1:1 private swim coaching, teaching students of all ages.
However, it was his work with older beginners that sparked a realization, the longer a person waits to start swimming, the harder it is to overcome the fear of the water.
Alex says: "My work with adults and older children taught me that early exposure isn't just a nice to have, it’s vital."
He continues: “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."
For Alex, the mission is personal. Despite his professional accolades, he admits he wasn't always a natural in the water.
“I didn't start lessons until I was five and I was a very anxious child in the pool," Alex explains. "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."
Baby Squids is renowned for its child-led approach, focusing on building water confidence through play, song, and quality bonding time. Alex’s weekly swimming lessons currently run term time in Stamford Bridge and Harrogate, offering a sanctuary for parents looking for a high-quality, empathetic swimming experience for their children aged 0-4 years and beyond.
Baby Squids North Yorkshire is now accepting bookings. To find a class or to speak with Alex, visit www.babysquids.co.uk, email: northyorkshire@babysquids.co.uk or WhatsApp: +44 7830 981039