Hundreds of young swimmers make a splash for charity

Over the past few weeks, hundreds of children aged 0–5 took to the water in colourful costumes as part of Water Babies’ ‘Splashathon’ fundraising events, held at swimming pools across Exeter, Bournemouth, Taunton, and other local areas.
The popular biennial event, run by the UK’s leading baby swim school, Water Babies, raised an impressive £35,000 in Devon and Dorset alone for the Children’s Alliance and baby loss charity Tommy’s. Nationally, the total currently stands at £764,785.
Young participants donned fancy dress to show off their swimming skills and water safety knowledge, all while raising funds for two causes close to many families’ hearts.
“Both charities are close to home for us as a family,” shared one participant’s parent. “Addison herself was born slightly premature after going into labour at 34 weeks exactly. Addison's older brother, who unfortunately passed, would have really benefited from the Children’s Alliance Charity with the limitations he would have had. We felt honoured to be able to ‘swim’ this journey and contribute to the amazing work both Tommy’s and Children’s Alliance do.”
This year's Splashathon challenged children with a variety of age-appropriate water safety tasks. Addison’s family described the experience as not only a fun learning opportunity, but also a deeply meaningful one.
“This year Addison was old enough to help put together notes for the neighbours and community. Doing this we received kind donations and beautiful letters and cards with messages. This was super exciting for Addie to receive these and see the support she had from the community,” the family said.
They added: “All in all, Addison had a one in a million experience in her lesson with Emily – full of laughter, fun and most importantly learning how to put her safety skills in action with the weight of clothing! We know Addison will be able to look back on this experience and know that not only did she raise an incredible amount for two worthy causes but the different ways support can be given to those in need.”
Water Babies teacher Immy Caddy also reflected on the joy of the event:
“One of my favourite things about the Splashathon is seeing carers and swimmers getting really excited about their costumes and having a super giggle in the pool. Sometimes it can help little ones who are in a little wobble to focus on something else, like a crab claw that keeps coming off or a pirate's hat that won’t stay on. I love seeing my swimmers in costume and I always come away from these events with my cheeks hurting from the constant smiling. My tentacles this time were an added bonus for holding-on skills and the children loved seeing them on the mat. I've had so much fun this year, I'll be sad to put my octopus costume away.”
Since its launch in 2006, Splashathon has raised more than £7 million for charity. In 2025 alone, funds raised could help Tommy’s research centre operate for eight months, supporting critical investigations into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. Donations will also support the Children’s Alliance’s efforts to ensure that every child can enjoy safe, developmentally beneficial access to water.
Beyond fundraising, Splashathon continues to shine as a celebration of early childhood development through swimming. Water Babies’ unique approach centres on child-led, imaginative adventures in the water, designed to build confidence, safety awareness, and joy through purposeful play.