Galway, Limerick & Clare
Team Ireland West
Meet Jamie & Lisa
Originally from Dublin, Jamie and Lisa discovered Water Babies with their first son Leon in 2009 and they were blown away by how much he was learning and progressing at such a young age. They also loved their teacher Therese, and it quickly became their favourite baby activity.
Looking for a better work-life balance and a new adventure, they took the plunge and brought the Water Babies franchise to the West of Ireland.
Fast forward 12 years, they are very happily settled in Kinvara, Co Galway and have expanded their family to four fabulous Water Babies – Leon, Marley, Dexter and Billie.
Jamie and Lisa teach more than 1,000 babies and toddlers to swim every week across Galway, Limerick and Clare.
Ready to start your swimming journey?
Splash into unforgettable memories and learn a skill for life today.
What were you most excited about when starting?
Honestly we were really excited about bringing Water Babies to another part of Ireland. We had seen how successful it was in Dublin and were excited at the prospect of launching in the West of Ireland. We were also very excited to be working for ourselves and at the same time having the support of a knowledgeable head office.
What do you love most about running your franchise?
I love that we have made friends for life with the staff who have worked with us over the years. I never thought about what it would be like to have people working for us when we started out. Obviously as the business grew, we had to staff up. We have been so fortunate with our core team they are the greatest most loyal employees and true friends forever.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
We really love what we do in the pool seeing how happy the classes make the kids and parents is a real joy.
What’s been your proudest achievement as a franchisee?
Building back our team and business after covid was a great achievement. Several teachers did not return to teaching for us after covid all for legitimate family reasons not because they didn’t love the job anymore. It was like having to start from scratch all over, but the remainder of the team pulled together and it wasn’t long until it was back up and running.
Three words to describe being a Water Babies franchisee?
Fun, passionate and exciting.
Tea or coffee before a busy day?
Coffee always coffee!
Favourite thing about your local area?
We live in Kinvarra a harbour town on the Wild Atlantic Way surrounded by beaches and the Burren. Sometimes we have to pinch ourselves because we live in one of the most scenic spots in the country. The Galway people are some of the loveliest and friendliest in Ireland and have been so welcoming to 2 Dublin blow ins I can’t imagine living anywhere else in the world.
Want to see more stories of inspiring little ones? Check out these blogs!
Ready to start your swimming journey?
Splash into unforgettable memories and learn a skill for life today.
Become Swimvincible today
Are you ready to become Swimvincible? Then start your baby and toddler swimming journey today with Water Babies, where we’ll help you to learn a skill for life in a fun, imaginative, educational and safe environment. We can’t wait to see you in the pool soon.
Start with bath time
Our Water Babies Learn series is a free resource for all families to benefit from. These practical videos show you key water confidence skills you can do with your little ones, regardless of where you are. It’s all about growing your little one’s confidence, whether that’s at home in the bath, or visiting your local leisure centre. Each video is explained by an experienced Water Babies teacher, so you can watch knowing you’re getting expert advice on introducing your little one to water.
View the full series here – https://dev.waterbabies.ie/blog/learn-with-water-babies/
So what are you waiting for? The adventure awaits…
Discover your local lesson today.
