A company that helps Bradford babies learn to swim has scooped a prestigious national award for the third year running.

Water Babies secured top prize in the ‘What’s on 4 Little Ones 2010’ awards in the category for Best National Baby & Toddler Development Activity.

The company is based in Guiseley and has been running classes in Bradford for babies as young as four weeks old for the last five years.

The competition for this year’s award was fiercer than ever, with over 2,500 nominations and 27,000 votes cast.

The judges were impressed by the company’s “superb lesson delivery and course structure,” adding that Water Babies taught little ones an invaluable life skill while encouraging physical activity.

Arran MacDonald, who runs classes in Bradford, said: “We’re overwhelmed by the amazing response of all our clients in voting for us. To have won this national award again totally reflects on the dedication of the whole Water Babies team. “As parents ourselves, we appreciate this magical time in people’s lives, so we work incredibly hard to enhance it. We’re so grateful to all our clients for taking the time to vote for us.

“With progressive training, babies can be taught life saving skills such as turning onto their backs or swimming to the nearest solid object following a sudden submersion. And it’s so important that they do. Within the last two years, seven of our children saved themselves from drowning – despite three of them being only two.”

Water Babies’ uniquely structured programme, designed to make the most of babies’ natural affinity with water, teaches water confidence and safety techniques from birth.

The awards programme, supported by Prima Baby & Pregnancy magazine, is now in its fourth year and celebrates the best children’s activities across the UK, as nominated and voted for by parents.