Three Waterford children named 'Little Heroes' after receiving awards for 'extraordinary resilience'

Three children from across Waterford have been recognised as 'Water Babies Little Heroes' after receiving awards for showcasing "extraordinary resilience, courage and determination." 

Jackson Riedy is 10-months-old and from Tramore. Mum Katerina Johnson Stewart

At just five months old, Jackson underwent open heart surgery and spent weeks recovering in hospital.

For his family, introducing new activities understandably came with caution.

Swimming, however, has become a transformative part of his recovery.

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From his very first Water Babies lesson, Jackson showed a love for the water, often the first one in and the last one out.

Since starting Water Babies, his chest and core strength have improved significantly, supporting milestones such as sitting independently.

Even on more difficult days, the pool brings him happiness and comfort. 

Siblings Ayla and Luca Sutton are the next two children to have received the award.

Ayla is four, while Luca is just 11-months-old. 

Swimming has been part of Ayla’s life since she was just 12 weeks old, and she now displays remarkable water awareness and confidence.

A defining moment came while on holiday, when Ayla instinctively intervened to stop another toddler from jumping into a pool unsafely, demonstrating maturity and understanding far beyond her years.

Her younger brother Luca is now following in her footsteps, already building confidence and essential water safety skills before his first birthday.

Together, they represent the powerful impact of early swimming education, not just for fun, but for lifelong safety and reassurance. 

The Water Babies Little Heroes Awards celebrate babies and children who have shown extraordinary resilience, courage and determination while overcoming health challenges and developmental obstacles.

Through the power of swimming, these remarkable young swimmers are building strength, confidence and essential life skills.

"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," Carol McNally from Water Babies said.

Water Babies classes are available across Ireland in Waterford, Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, Clare, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny and Cavan.