16 May Recently launched children’s swim school dives into community activities
Maria Gray, local lady and owner of baby and child swim school, Puddle Ducks Chelmsford and North East London is immersing herself in providing and supporting fun activities across the local community. Since launching her business in January 2022, she has wasted no time bringing her enthusiasm to local events, and to her child-led swimming lessons across the local area.
The mum-of-three launched her business to follow her passion for the water, and to encourage local parents and children to develop a similar love for swimming through her lessons. But aside from running her own business, she has also got involved with a number of community initiatives.
Maria is currently running a Pyjama week at her swimming lessons across the area. Teachers, poolside assistants, parents and children are all getting involved – donning their favourite PJs to have fun in the water, whilst learning key life-saving skills in the water.
Maria comments: “With the summer months approaching, many families visit the beach or waterside attractions and it is so important that children know what to do if they have an accident or fall into the water. This is what our pyjama week aims to teach, in a fun and enjoyable way so that children remember these key skills.”
Over the Easter weekend, whilst children were busy searching for clues in the Easter Bunny Hunt in Admirals Park in Chelmsford, Maria organised a visit from Puddle the Duck himself to help them on their way! Children were delighted to be surprised by the endearing mascot, Puddle the Duck, throughout their hunt – bringing laughter and joy!
She also joined the NCT nearly new sale in Wanstead, running a ‘guess the number of ducks in the jar’ competition. The winner was 9-month-old Camille, who won 3 free Puddle Ducks lessons.
Further to this, Maria has recently partnered two local baby groups, Baby Sensory Brentwood and Basking Babies Brentwood and Billericay to offer discounted lessons to parents for her new classes at the Spirit Health Club at the Holiday Inn in Brentwood.
Maria comments: “Learning to swim at a young age brings so much joy, not just for the children but for their parents who enjoy a fun, educational activity which forms lifelong memories.
“It is my mission to encourage as many young families across the area to get in the pool and learn this key life skill. The Swimming Teachers Associations (STA) recently reported that 1 in 3 children don’t know how to swim, and with the summer months approaching, it is such an important skill that is also so much fun!
“It has been great getting out into my local community to spread my passion for swimming, but also to meet so many amazing people and organisations who do great things for local people.”
