Waterbabies previous experience...

[lchats]

Hi all,

My dd goes to Waterbabies won't say what region - but this term 6 of our lessons have been cancelled due to water temp, venue refurb, trainer absence, and weather - obviously not all of these are the fault of WB but means dd has had been very disrupted and is behind on where she should be - considering the amount of money we pay I would have thought we be compensated (beyond a refund for two lessons) or at least get a discount for next term / but nothing. Anyone been treated well by Waterbabies that i can use as an example to take to the regional office?

Have you been given the option of a catch up session at another venue at a different time?

With a different company, been swimming with two DDs for years, there were the odd times when lesson had to be cancelled at short notice - but of course only a single one in any one term - then we were offered catch-up sessions on other weekdays (which I was not able to take up of course but that;' a different matter). When it's 6 in a row I'd expect at least 3 or 4 refunded if there was not sensible catch-up alternative offered. Can you contact other parents and get together to contact HQ as a 'class' rather than a single person?

Sounds like we could be at the same pool . I found them a little reluctant TBH but I kept pushing. Lessons were al refunded in the end (as the terms ran consecutively so no space to make up).

I am trying to change pools but only being able to swim at the w/e I am struggling.

Still think it is worth it though. DS is a real fish

Afaik you are entitled to catch up lessons. I think dd1s got cancelled sometimes and they just gave the option of booking in to a catch up class.
This was in Devon

We swam for 5 terms with Waterbabies, but eventually we got sick and tired of cancelled lessons and having to chase for catch ups and refunds. I threw a very public tantrum about it on their Facebook page - we loved the lessons and teacher but their admin team were shockingly offhand and disorganised.

When it came to booking for term 6, they suddenly couldn't find us a space (although friends in our old class say it isn't full).

We now swim with Baby Swimming. I actually prefer the structure of their lessons, their classes are cheaper and they have a 2 week break between terms where they schedule catch ups if required.

I'm disappointed with myself for putting up with Water Babies for so long and being taken in by the fancy branding and glossy brochures.