It still amazes me when I hear about kids who can’t swim. From the time they were babies – when they were still in nappies – my sister and I took our boys swimming to our local baths. We always made sure we had their towels ready to keep them warm (they wore swim nappies, of course) and it was just wonderful to see their little legs kicking as they enjoyed the freedom of being in the water (while being held by their mummies and daddies).

No 1 Son had swimming lessons from the time he was about three until he was 10 and while he was never going to be Tom Daley, he learned all the skills essential for survival in the water. Every holiday we’ve ever been on he’s spent hours in the swimming pools (he’s not a fan of the sea, despite my best efforts to get him in there).

One time on holiday I badly underestimated the strength of the Caribbean sun and he got sunburnt. Fortunately the maids at our hotel were very quick with giving us aloe vera to soothe it and it didn’t last, but I still worry about it, because, as you know, it’s the sunburn they get when they’re little which can increase their chances of getting something more serious when they’re older. I’m sure he’s fine but still, I worry.

Anyway, if your little ones are learning to swim, do check out Splash About for float jackets. They also have a great range of sun protection so if you are lucky to be taking the kids somewhere warm this winter they’ll be able to have fun in the sun safely.