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Growing interest in the learn-to-swim sector in China has seen UK-based operator Water Babies open its first purpose-built swimming centre opened in the city of Xi’an.

Operating in China under the name of ‘Aqua Babies’, the purpose-built swimming centre opened on 12th July.  

Paul Thompson, who co-founded Water Babies from his home in the Yorkshire town of Ilkley in 2002, commented “this really feels like a historic moment for Water Babies. We pride ourselves on being the most professional baby and toddler swimming company in the world, with the best-qualified teachers and the very highest standards.

"When the first enquiries came in to take Water Babies to China, it seemed a little daunting. But we got all the advice we could from UKTI and China-Britain Business Council and the more we spoke with prospective Chinese investors, the more excited we became about the huge opportunities.

“Not only is China the world’s most populated country, but they also have a very strong focus on child development activities like ours.”

Water Babies advises that two further city centre developments are already being planned for the city of Shenzhen, to be constructed by the same firm who built Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium, while nine other groups have already registered their interest in taking Water Babies to other territories.

Water Babies is offering its partners the opportunity to ‘buy off-the-shelf’ facilities based around Myrtha Pools technology.

Water Babies Managing Director Steve Franks, technical author of the British Standards Institute-endorsed Code of Practice for teaching swimming to 0-4 year olds launched last year in the UK Parliament, has also met with Chinese Government officials who are interested in developing their own national standards for baby swimming and early years physical activity

Franks, who has been with Water Babies since 2009, stated “the enthusiasm from our Chinese investors and Government officials has only doubled our optimism.

“As a British franchise business, we are now in a position to help shape an entire leisure industry in the world’s most populated country.”

Water Babies has franchises across the UK and Ireland, a well as in The Netherlands, Canada and New Zealand.

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