Franchise opportunities

With humble beginnings around a kitchen table in Yorkshire, we never imagined that we'd grow into the franchise business that we are today. Since we began in 2002, we've grown incredibly quickly. We now welcome over 40,000 children into warm water at around 560 local pools every week and our sessions progressively develop children’s water skills in line with their physical, mental and emotional development phases. This is delivered by over 70 franchisees, running more than 80 outlets across the UK, Ireland, The Netherlands, Canada, and USA.

Water Babies franchisee’s come from a wide range of backgrounds, but they all share a passion for giving children the best start in life. Here’s just some of their stories…

The Benefit of Franchising

As a franchise owner, you'll have all the autonomy and excitement of running your own business, with the support of our head office team, your dedicated Franchise Partner, and the mutual support of the rest of the franchise network. We are the best in the industry, so you can feel confident that your business will thrive. Our aim is for every franchisee to be swimming at least 1,000 customers per week, generating excellent profits and a great return on your investment.

Award Winning Franchise

We are proud of the work we do and it’s always great to be recognised through the many awards we have received throughout our history. Alongside winning bfa Franchisor of the Year in 2016, we’ve recently won awards with What’s on 4 Kids, the bfa and Loved By Parents

We believe strongly in ethical franchising and are full members of the British Franchise Association. We also believe that it is our people that make the difference and that being part of the Water Babies family should be rewarding. That’s why we have received the Investors in People Gold standard.

Becoming a Water Babies Franchisee

Not only does a new Water Babies franchisee have the strength of our brand, but they also receive all the equipment, tools, technology, and marketing they need to make their business successful. From the very start of their journey, when they make an enquiry, Water Babies provides world-class support and training. The team is on hand with an 8-phase launch plan, including 285 steps intertwined throughout, supported by our Project Management team.

Water Babies’ rigorous specialist baby swimming teacher training programme has been developed in collaboration with Swim England, the national governing body for swimming, and will qualify franchisees to the highest possible standard through our National Governing Body, Swim England. Only Water Babies teachers are able to achieve the Level 3 Teaching Pre-School Swimming (Advanced). 

Together we’ll make sure that you’re ready to take on the challenge and continuously support you on your journey as franchise owner.

Paul, the Water Babies Founder, explains in more detail what we look for in our franchisees.