Notty’s New Hat is a children’s swimming book following ‘Notty the Otter’ and their journey to learn how to swim for the first time.
The book is the second in the series developed by Active Nottingham, part of Nottingham City Council, having already successfully launched Can We Splash? in May 2022 which followed Mo, his sister Yas and the fun they had with their dad on a swimming trip to a Nottingham leisure centre.
Notty’s New Hat is part of an ongoing commitment to increase the number of young children who learn to swim from an early age, and the book aims to engage parents and families, encouraging early uptake of swimming lessons for children under their care.
“It’s time for a bath. It’s time for a scrub.
“But Notty’s not too keen to jump in the tub…”
Extract from Notty’s New Hat
Cllr Sam Lux, Executive Member for Carbon Reduction, Leisure and Culture said: “We recognise the importance of learning to swim for every child in Nottingham. Through Notty’s New Hat we aim to prepare children and their families, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to take those initial steps, have fun, and enjoy a positive learning experience together.”
Shaun Miles, Head of Communities at Nottingham City Council said: “Learning to read and swim are essential life skills for every child. We aim to nurture these abilities from a young age, helping children in Nottingham not only enjoy both but also grow in confidence and lead happier and healthier lives.”
The book will launch officially in May 2025 with ‘Read and Swim’ events across three Active Nottingham Leisure Centres (dates below), which will involve a reading of Notty’s New Hat to children, followed by fun activities and a Swim for Fun session in the pool.
- Djanogly Community Leisure Centre on Friday 16 May 2025
- Clifton Leisure Centre on Monday 19 May 2025
- Ken Martin Leisure Centre on Tuesday 27 May 2025
Notty’s New Hat will be available for collection, for free, from any Active Nottingham Leisure Centre or Nottingham City Library from 28 May 2025. Copies of the book will also be distributed via Nottingham City of Literature and Nottingham National Literacy Trust to children and families across the city.
For more information about Notty’s New Hat please visit the below website: