Two women gave up careers in fashion to teach pre-school children how to swim.

Caroline James, of Winchmore Hill, and friend Lisa Stopher, of Bush Hill Park, were business colleagues at a fashion label for eight years.

However, they have decided to turn their backs on the world of clothing and have launched the first North London swimming class for babies, toddlers and mothers-to-be.

The pair bought a licence from award-winning pre-school swim group Turtle Tots and will now teach swimming in Enfield and across North London.

Caroline said: “Being a mother, for me this isn’t just about running swimming classes, it’s about everything else that goes with it.

“We are here as a service, to help both parent and child build confidence in the water.

“I’ve seen first-hand how a parent who is afraid of getting into the water can have a detrimental effect on how the child feels about it. Being able to support them both as well as those mums who have yet to give birth, via our aqua-natal yoga sessions, which up until now, have been relatively scarce in the area, is both exciting and rewarding.”
 
Lisa Stopher added: “We both have an extensive business background working for a major global fashion brand and we are looking forward to transferring these skills to the pool.

“It’s a complete career change but with a genuine love for swimming, it is one that we are both embracing with open arms.

“We are aiming to bring quality baby swim sessions to the local area and to help families develop a life-long skill that not only increases self-confidence but also helps babies to relax and sleep well too, which can only be a good thing for parents.”