Water Babies - Ireland East & North East レビュー 

We attended Water Babies at Blackrock Hospice from May 2023, when my son was four months old. Our recent experience and the handling of our concerns have led us to leave.

The pool feels cramped with five preschool children ( 3 - 4 years), five parents and a coach—11 people in total. The shallow section is very small, and the sharp drop into deeper water restricted the space my son and I could use, limiting our movement and participation.

Previous coaches were warm and encouraging. This year, I have felt that my son received little direct interaction or encouragement from the current coach compared with other children. He does not enjoy this class, although he enjoys swimming lessons elsewhere.

When we joined, we were told that a move to a larger nearby venue was planned as the children grew. After I raised my concerns by email and telephone, the manager told me the St Augustine’s option had not been pursued for two years. We had received no written update about this.

The communal changing facilities are cramped. During the first two weeks of term, the only toilet available to us in the changing area had neither toilet paper nor paper hand towels. I reported this to the security guard, who was the only person at the main desk, and waited there for approximately 30 minutes for the matter to be addressed. The supplies had not been replenished when I left.

Management offered a transfer to Tullyvale, Cherrywood, at least a 35-minute drive from our home, at a time that conflicted with my son’s music class. I explained that this was not a workable alternative. They agreed to raise the facilities issue and pass on my feedback to the coach.

However, they refused to refund the €175 paid for our seven remaining classes, citing their cancellation policy. Parents considering booking should check these terms carefully: in our case, withdrawing after the term began meant receiving no refund for the remaining lessons.

Based on the teaching experience, facilities and handling of our concerns, I would not recommend Water Babies.

A reply to WaterBabies comment below:
Thank you for responding.

For accuracy, during our telephone conversation I was told that the St Augustine’s option had not been pursued for two years. We had received no written update about this.

My review describes why the current class arrangement did not work for my son and me: five children, five parents and a coach in a small pool with a limited shallow area and a sharp change in depth; limited direct engagement from the current coach; and cramped changing facilities, including no toilet paper or hand towels during the first two weeks of term.

We rebooked because of our positive experience with Water Babies over the preceding years. The concerns described in my review related to our more recent experience.

The alternative offered at Tullyvale was at a time that conflicted with my son’s music class and involved a journey of at least 35 minutes from our home, so it was not workable.

Your response confirms that the €175 paid for the remaining seven lessons will not be refunded under the cancellation policy. That is why I advised parents to check the terms carefully. I stand by my review.

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Siobhan is an exceptional teacher and love returning to her weekly.

Great and welcoming

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Waterbabies is fantastic!
Our son started at 10 weeks old and for the last 3.5 years has developed fantastic water safety skills.
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We gave enrolled our 2nd to begin soon we enjoyed it thst much

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Sharon is just absolutely amazing! She is a great swim instructor and brilliant with the kids she makes the session so enjoyable it’s been wonderful! Such a good class to bond with my baby too.

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