Meet the team out of the water as local baby swim school turns 21
As the very first babies to join Water Babies Bucks & Beds turn 21 – learning to drive, heading to university and stepping into adulthood – the dedicated team behind the swim school is celebrating its own milestone: over two decades of supporting local parents as they introduce their children to the water.
Water Babies Bucks & Beds began in 2004 as a small collection of classes for local families. Today, it has grown into a well-established swim school with its office based in Banbury and lessons delivered in Hemel Hempstead.
Owner Tamsin Brewis was inspired by the joy of helping parents bond with their babies in a safe and relaxed environment. “When I first started, my goal was simply to help parents feel confident and to give babies a positive start in the water,” she said. “Seeing those tiny splashers grow into capable, confident young people is an incredible privilege.”
Behind the scenes is a close-knit office team who keep everything running smoothly. They’re the reassuring voices on the phone, the careful organisers behind timetables and logistics, and the friendly support system for both teachers and parents.
Business Manager Kat Adams may be one of the newer members of the team, but she already feels at home. “It feels like I’ve always been part of the family,” she said. “Everyone puts so much care into what they do, from the first enquiry to the moment a toddler takes their first swim. I love being able to support the team and hop in to teach when needed. What I appreciate most is how we all pull together to make each family’s experience special.”
For Amelia Forsyth, who joined three years ago, the variety of the role is a highlight. “No two days are the same,” she said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see little ones grow in confidence and to know we’ve helped make that happen. The teamwork here is fantastic because everyone supports one another.”
With more than a decade of experience, Sian Ayckbourn has seen the school evolve and flourish. “Some of the children we’ve taught have gone on to swim at county and national level,” she said. “But what matters most are the safety skills and confidence they gain. A few have even used what they learned to save themselves, which is the most meaningful outcome of all.”
Together, the Water Babies Bucks & Beds team has guided parents and children through their early swimming journeys with a blend of professionalism, patience and playfulness. Their approach has become the hallmark of their classes and one of the reasons so many families return with younger siblings.
“The water has always been our classroom,” added Tamsin. “But the impact reaches far beyond the pool. Every splash, every smile and every moment of connection is what makes this work so special.”
For more information about Water Babies Bucks & Beds, visit: www.waterbabies.co.uk/lp/baby-swimming/bucks-and-beds