A mum who runs a swimming school for children has taken over the running of Orton Grange pool.

Karen Robertson, who runs Baby and Toddler Swimmers, said: “I am super excited”.

Karen, 40, a former primary school teacher, set up the lessons after noticing a gap in the market.

Her business has grown from initially teaching just six babies to now a whole school of 350 children.

“The contracts have been signed and I can officially announce that as of September we will be taking over the running of Orton Grange pool,” she added. “This means that all of our lessons will now take place there. We have also rebranded the school age lessons – Carlisle Swim School.”

“It’s unbelievable really. I was so nervous about being self-employed but my business has just grown and grown.

“There was demand for baby lessons and then people started asking about toddler classes and then tiddler classes (18 months to three-years). I am now catering for older children too.”

The oldest children booked in for lessons are aged nine.

Karen, who previously taught classes at Trinity pool as well as Orton Grange, said: “It’s really nice to have a permanent base.

“Classes will take place at Orton Grange on a Monday, Thursday and Friday during term-time. The pool will still be available to hire during school holidays.

“I adore the pool and I like the environment. A lot of people stay on at the end of the classes to have a coffee and it becomes more of a social thing.

“The parents get to become good friends with each other and I like that.”

The baby classes give youngsters water confidence and teach them to feel safe in the water, which Karen feels is important.

“The parents go into the water with the children until they are school age,” said Karen, of Stanwix.

Karen’s business employs two teachers and another person who helps with the administration side of the business.

“We are very busy with 350 children on our books and I would eventually like to grow the business to 500.”

Places are still available for classes in September.

For more information visit Karen’s Facebook page Baby and Toddler Swimmers or email
her at info@babyandtoddlerswimmers.co.uk