A swimming instructor is charged with alleged sexual abuse of two young swim students on Sydney’s North Shore.

A young swimming instructor from a prominent Sydney family has been charged with sexually abusing two girls during lessons at Mosman Pool last month.

Kyle James Henk Daniels, 20, was arrested at his parents’ Balgowlah home just before midday yesterday and taken to Manly Police Station, following what investigators described as “extensive inquiries”.

Police have alleged the University of Sydney student touched a six-year-old girl on the afternoon of February 2 and raped another girl, aged eight, on the afternoon of February 14.

He is charged with two counts of intentionally sexually touching a child under 10 years, and sexual intercourse with a child under 10 years.

“It’s alleged one of the incidents occurred inside the pool,” Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec told a media conference. “We’ll allege that they occurred over two separate days probably about a week and a half apart.”

Daniels is the son of prominent advertising executive James Daniels, who was until recently the global creative director of renowned agency Saatchi & Saatchi.

He had worked as a casual swim instructor at Mosman Pool for two years, police said.

On his social media profiles, Daniels describes himself as a sprint swimmer with the nickname “Togs” who has also played water polo.

He and his twin brother attended the prestigious Knox Grammar School in Sydney’s north where tuition fees are around $30,000 a year.

The matter was briefly mentioned in Manly Local Court today, although Daniels — charged with two counts of intentionally sexually touch child under 10 years and one count of sexual intercourse with child under the age of 10 years — did not appeal.

He did not apply for bail and it was formally refused, although his lawyer indicated he would return to court next week to apply for it.

Speaking to the media, Mr Kerlatec praised the bravery of Daniels’ alleged victims.

“These young, brave kids put their hands up to mum and dad and said ‘something happened’ (and) that is exceptionally brave,” he said.

“He was engaged in teaching these young girls how to swim and it’s alleged that the offences took place during those lessons.”

Police said investigations are continuing.