Lucy Pargeter, better known as Emmerdale’s feisty Chastity Dingle, is calling for water babies everywhere to take the plunge and splash for cash through May and June, as she launches the 9th annual Tommy’s Splashathon.

Sponsored by Huggies Little Swimmers, Tommy’s Splashathon encourages babies, toddlers and young children, to raise money by simply splashing a width or length of their local swimming pool. Their fun in the pool will help Tommy’s fund it’s vital research into the causes of premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage.

Actress Lucy said, As a mum myself, I know first hand how much fun splashing around in the pool with your little one can be. Not only is it a great opportunity to develop the bond between you and your baby, but by teaching your baby to swim, you are providing them with one of the most valuable skills, that could one day save their life.

I was lucky enough to have a healthy pregnancy, but I was shocked to hear that every two minutes in the UK, a baby is lost through miscarriage, stillbirth or because they were born too soon. Tommy’s Splashathon is the perfect way to introduce babies to having fun in the pool in a safe environment, whilst raising money at the same time. I am absolutely delighted to be on board with such a worthwhile cause and I would encourage parents everywhere to get involved.

Research by Huggies Little Swimmers has found that 89% of mums and babies enjoy nothing better than a bit of quality splash time, with 72% of mums taking babies as young as six months old. With so many keen splashers out there and over 700 pools already signed up to take part, Tommy’s are confident that this year’s Splashathon will smash the success of last year’s event, which raised over £150,000 for the charity.

Each tot to take part in the event will be given a free pair of Huggies Little Swimmers swim pants, as well as a certificate to recognise their fantastic achievement, with the chance to win a special Splashathon inflatable toy for those who raise over £40 sponsorship.

Shiv Gopolan, Brand Manager at Huggies says, Currently, only 51% of parents provide their children with disposable swim pants for the pool, making this year’s Splashathon a great opportunity to boost awareness of swimming safety and hygiene amongst parents and swimming pool professionals.

Splashathon is also pleased to have the support of Femin.co.uk, an exciting new website packed with tips, articles and products for women from all walks of life.

To find out how to make a splash this summer, or check out which pools are taking part, please call the Splashathon Hotline on 08707 70 70 69. Alternatively, log on to www.littleswimmers.com/uk to find your nearest Baby Friendly Approved Swimming Pool, and for more details of how to get the most out of swimming with your tots.