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Wahooo! Waterpark has launched an innovative programme for babies and toddlers to introduce them to water under the watchful supervision of their mums and lifeguards.
The Tiny Turtles programme that runs every Monday before the attraction's official opening hours aims to develop confidence in the pool in a safe and secure environment.
Claire Willats, co-founder of a family networking group on the island, Mums in Bahrain, and mother of Thomas, two, said: "A baby has an innate ability to swim in a mother's womb and if they are introduced to water in their initial years then they never lose that skill. Also, it is important for them to develop confidence and swimming abilities before they develop a fear of water.
"We had 30 children with their mothers at Wahooo! the youngest being nine weeks old and everybody had a fantastic time without being overwhelmed by a crowd and the fear of older children banging into the tiny tots."
Tragic accidents involving children in the sea and in private and compound pools are commonplace on the island during the summer months. Schemes such as the Tiny Turtles programme can provide a responsible and safe induction to water bound activities.
Especially trained Wahooo! lifeguards initiate search games with colourful floating animals and sing nursery rhymes in English and Arabic to create an atmosphere of fun and play during the one-hour sessions.
Shama Uchil, marketing manager of Wahooo! Waterpark, explained: "We believe that the first introductory steps of young children in water should be a pleasant experience for them.
"Many Arab mothers were delighted to get in the water with their children, something they hesitated doing earlier because of cultural sensitivities.
"It was a great way for them to bond with their toddlers while increasing their children's comfort with water-based and pre-swimming activities."
The Tiny Turtles introductory sessions for children below the age of three have been a success and Wahooo! now plans to run them weekly from 10am till 11am.
