You may not normally expect to find them underwater - but these babies clearly enjoy making a splash.

The real-life water babies were snapped by underwater photographer Phil Shaw, who, along with his partner Anna Torres, runs London Baby Swim in Osterley.

The swimming centre, in Wood Lane, has offered mums and dads the chance to get their tots learning to swim at a young age since it opened in 2008. Mr Shaw and Ms Torres’ goal is to open 100 centres across the UK, having just secured a deal to launch one in Kent.

According to Mr Shaw, the specialist classes help develop babies’ co-ordination, motor skills and intelligence, as well as encouraging social interaction.

Each instructor-led course sees eight babies, aged between six weeks and nine months, take to the pool with their parents as they learn doggy paddle and how to float on their backs.

Mr Shaw said: “Some babies are just phenomenal, you put them in the water and they are just completely relaxed.”

The 49-year-old added: “Baby swimming is booming in the UK, there’s no doubt about it.”

At the end of each teaching term, Mr Shaw kits the centre’s pool out with £10,000 of underwater equipment in order to capture the tots taking the plunge.

He said: “We learn to hold our breath as a reaction but babies have a natural ability to hold their breath.”

For more information, prices and to book call London Baby Swim on 020 8400 9091, email post@londonbabyswim.co.uk or visit londonbabyswim.co.uk.

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