Little swimmer makes big splash

A brave little girl from Cork living with cerebral palsy has received a special award for her incredible determination and swimming prowess.

Amy Dineen (4) was amongst the recipients of this year’s Water Babies Little Heroes Awards, an annual award presented by baby and toddler swimming school, Water Babies.

The awards celebrate babies and children who have shown extraordinary resilience, courage, and determination while overcoming health challenges and developmental obstacles.

Diagnosed at one year old with hemiplegia and cerebral palsy, Amy began early physiotherapy along with swimming to support her development. In the water, she discovered freedom of movement that was not possible on land.

Water Babies provided a fun, nurturing, and non-clinical space where she could strengthen her core, stretch her muscles, and build confidence. The results have been incredible. Early on, doctors were unable to guarantee Amy would ever walk. Fast forward to today and she’s walking, running, jumping, and dancing — and has proudly graduated from the Water Babies programme.

Through the power of swimming, the Water Babies programme aims to help young swimmers to build strength, confidence, and essential life skills while bringing reassurance, pride, and joy to their families every step of the way.

Overall, 14 awards were presented to children ranging from as young as nine months up to five years old.

Commenting on this year’s awards, Carol McNally of Water Babies said the awards go far deeper than swimming.

She said: “While we recognise the many physical benefits of introducing babies to swimming from a young age, our Little Heroes Awards highlight something even more profound — the resilience and determination of children facing unique challenges. Watching these little ones flourish in the water, gaining confidence, and achieving milestones once thought uncertain, fills us with enormous pride.”

Ms McNally also praised the programme’s team of teachers. She continued: “At Water Babies, we are equally proud of our dedicated teachers who nurture and champion each child’s journey.

“For our Little Heroes and their families, swimming is about far more than learning a skill — it’s about strength, trust, and celebrating every success, no matter how small,” added Ms McNally.

Water Babies classes are available in Cork and across Ireland. Visit waterbabies.ie for the full range of lessons and to find the nearest programme to you.