A group of Durban parents, who believe their children were molested by a well-known swimming coach have laid charges of sexual assault against the man.

The Mercury newspaper reported on Wednesday that the parents became suspicious after their children began to imitate adult sexual behaviour, allegedly learnt during their swimming lesson.

Captain Russell Ndwadwe of the Umbilo police said six cases of sexual assault had been opened. One parent said the swimming lessons lasted about 30 minutes and that her four-year-old daughter had three lessons a week.

"We want... other parents to be aware of what is happening to their children during the lessons," she said.

The parents said they enrolled their children for the lessons, and were told that it would be run be a husband and wife team. The wife was however not around during the lessons.

Jackie Branfield, founding director of Bobby Bear — an organisation that deals with sexually abused children — said five children were brought to her and referred to a psychologist.

Sapa