Water Babies Chester, Wirral & Runcorn Brook Road, Birkenhead, Wirral CH49 0AB

"We started the course this September, and my daughter and I have really enjoyed the classes. Initially, I thought it would take a long time to learn the skills discussed in the class, but I found that my little girl actually learned surprisingly quickly how to hold on to the side of the pool and to prepare herself for going under the water. The safety skills they learn are so important for me in particular as my family typically spend a lot of time by the coast/water, and the class has really delivered that. They’ve also been quite flexible with providing catchup sessions when we’ve been away on holiday. I do struggle a bit to get through on the phone but if you leave them a voicemail, they call back soon after - they’re also responsive on email. The cost is also quite high, although I think it’s similar to other baby swimming classes - however, it is an important life skill (from my perspective) so I feel happier paying for these sessions than for the various baby sensory activities running in the area (even if those are less expensive per class). I’ve already recommended the class to a friend who has since started, and would recommend to others, too!"

"Unfortunately the downsides largely outway the positives here. Negatives first - It’s too expensive for what it is. If your child is never ill and you don’t go on holiday during the 10 week stint it’ll set you back £17 per lesson, for 30 minutes! Sometimes groups were as big as 8 and as lessons are sandwiched one after another so it feels like a sausage factory. There is no social time with other parents and kids or chance to warm your baby up to the things, just straight into things. Furthermore, you either have to get you and your baby ready in the car park or at the side of the pool in front of everyone else and the class in progress. It’s only after the class that you can use the changing facilities however these are not remotely suited to changing babies - there are low down narrow benches and not even a bin to put nappies in! The final straw of the whole experience was when I was automatically charged for another batch of lessons at the end of our current term. This recurrent billing was not pointed out to me when I handed over my card details although is found in the ts & cs, that of course everyone reads. Positives - My baby and I did enjoy the lessons. They were dynamic and appropriate for the age and the instructor was lovely. I like the idea of these lessons as they’re fun but I’d never use waterbabies again, they’re just a money making operation. Update: I was a customer in Chester. Andros Hussein is just my online pseudonym to protect my identity. I spoke to customer services several times and my complaints could not be resolved satisfactorily."

"Abysmal customer service. Water Babies auto-enroll you. They didn't tell me about this over the phone. I missed the auto-enroll email (busy raising a tiny human!). I called up when I noticed £170 gone from my bank account. I'd expect a no quibble refund in full just like car insurance companies do. They said they'd refund me but take a £50 ADMIN FEE. I explained being on maternity I couldn't afford that and the payment had taken me overdrawn and I didn't have enough for a food shop. I was told three times no, it's perfectly legal for us to keep £50. The manager I'd asked you speak to was so rude and made me feel humiliated. Even after I told her I was struggling financially she said no. Eventually she said "if only you would ask me nicely and say please I would refund you". Gas lighting, like I had been told no four times by then, and making me beg. Disgusting. The lessons were great and I was going to rebook again at some point but not after the way I was treated."

"*ABOVE RATING SHOULD READ 0 STARS* As a dad taking his son for what I believe to be one of the most important skills in life my expectations were high. This is an honest account of my experience of this company and hopefully will help you make a decision on if they are for you or not. Firstly the instructor herself was lovely and very professional and for the sessions that actually went ahead and she lead on they were fun & engaging and I saw my little one begin to progress unfortunately that is where any positivity stops. The course was delayed by weeks initially due to 'venue issues' often at short notice and with assurances it would be on the following week. This happened every week. I personally was asked by one of the owners to suggest another venue. Not very proffesional but I did and the venue was used. On the 2nd session a mum from a previous class had a medical issue and was left laying poolside for over 50 minutes (the entire class were left uninformed in swimming costumes, babies changed in the changing rooms the entire time) only for going in to help was the issue apparent. You can only imagine the pandemonium occuring in the shared changing room with 6 uncomfortable babies kicking off, another dad getting scratched but no first aid kit or first aider available. Next session back at the original venue Following Week back to normal venue and qualified instructor has been swapped for a learner. Seriously? throwing a learner in to lead with a group which has had such a shambolic start to the course. Following week is cancelled on the morning of via email with a note to tell parents to get them in the paddling pool as it's such a nice day. (Baring in mind parents including myself will have been changed and about to leave) Head office demanding my wife contacts them urgently about payment. Despite the fact the previous day and unprompted my wife had already paid the next installment. Then when I called they state it's not their fault as they hadn't been informed of the payment but clarified the money was there. This was the final straw for me, I attempted to make contact with the head honcho and was blocked along the way. I raised my concerns over the mishandling of the medical emergency and lack of support and staff available I also raised my concerns over the replacement instructor. (I was told to read the small print as guess what it's in there) I have been refunded for the classes yet to take, no compensation offered for what's basically be a joke of a course. I have friends who have used puddle ducks and have been very happy. The customer services from this company leaves a lot to be desired as does the heth and safety should an incident occur. Leaving a mum poolside while an ambulance responds as a cat3 is not acceptable for mum or baby or those stood around like lemons in the wider that the session can't go ahead. These guys have blamed covid or the venue's at every turn and take 0 responsibility which just isn't okay by me. Be warned if you take the plunge with these guys."

"Where do I begin. Friendly staff with great communication. The lessons are well structured with a good variety of activities. Water safety is taught as well as swimming skills and a lot of fun, singing and games. The instructors are well trained and even know how to calm the nerves of the parents. This class is the highlight of our week. Fun, safe and worth every penny. ❤️"