{group_info=FranDevCo, contract_signer_email=Carl.higgins@waterbabies.co.uk, superpower_3=Global Leaders in Underwater Photography, superpower_4=Tech-Driven Operations, services_image_top_medium=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/29441991184/services_image_medium, superpower_1=World Class Trained Teachers, territories_awarded=80, superpower_2=Unmatched Lesson Experience, contact_city=Southern Pines, contact_street_address=115 E Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 16, registration_michigan=Registered, strong_zee_sales_skills_are_required=No, scheduling_link=https://meetings.hubspot.com/logan-west2/waterbabies-introductory-meeting, marketing_website_url=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/brands/water-babies, initial_item_19_overview=Gross Revenue = $1,989,969 Net Operating Income (Less Fees Paid) = $718,427 Net Operating Margin = 36%, override_brand_summary_image=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/29441991184/additional_background?variant=large, sales_contact_last_name=West, services_image_top_large=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/29441991184/services_image_large, main_contact_is_contract_signer=No, superpower_5=From Birth, For Life!, franchise_fee=55000, semi_absentee_ownership=Yes, two_minute_drill_url=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/two-minute-drills/water-babies, year_founded=2002, hs_pipeline=11403875, industry=Swim School, Children's Services & Education, Sports & Recreation, Fitness & Health, franchise_offering_components=A manager can run the day-to-day operations;Small Staff (5 or fewer employees per location);Recurring Revenue Model (membership, subscription);Defined Customer Acquisition program;Technology-driven;Founder or Leadership that have 10+ years of industry experience;Hiring & Recruiting support;Strong & Diverse Franchisee Validation;No lease is required;Home-based, hs_object_source_label=FORM, registration_maryland=Pending, contract_signer_first_name=Carl, currently_franchising=Yes, contact_zip_code=28387, website=https://www.waterbabiesusa.com/, secondary_contact_email=matthew.mcreynolds@frandev.co, preferred_funding_partner=No Preference, royalty_external=8% - 10%, corporate_location=115 E Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 16, Southern Pines, NC 28387, functions_of_semi_absentee_owner=Manage the Manager, item_19_highlights=2024 Gross Profit = $1,121008 / 56% of Gross Revenue 2024 Net Operating Income = $718,417 / 36% of Gross Revenue, sales_contact_phone=(712) 310-5272, real_estate_description=Franchisee given extensive training finding and working with existing businesses / pools based on site criteria and requirements listed below. Pool temperature: Ideal is always from 90 - 0 - 12 weeks and 12 lbs babies: Over 90F - 12 weeks and 12 lbs to 12 months: Over 86F - 12 months and 2 years: 84F but must wear a wet suit. - Over 2 years: 84F Sufficient parking available. Pool Depth: 1.35m or less is ideal. Pool Size: As a guide, 3m2 of water per person is the ideal size and each franchisee will be given guidance on the number of customers in a class at any given time. Clothes changing facilities, restrooms and showers available and big enough for class sizes. Pool Water Quality: Filtration and disinfection at required standard. Facility with safety procedures in place., starting_employees_number_1=1, starting_employees_number_2=1-2, hs_lastmodifieddate=1755544098874, number_of_associated_contacts=6, contact_created=true, sold_out_markets=None!, contact_state=North Carolina, franchise_fee_additional=$35,000 for each additional unit., group_health_insurance=No, has_group_contact=Yes, franchisee_weekly_hours_required=Full-Time (40 or more hours per week);Part-Time (20-40 hours per week);Flexible Ownership (less than 20 hours per week), secondary_contact_last_name=McReynolds, registration_virginia=Pending, target_customer=Millennial & Gen-Z parents are the primary target, in particular the millennial mum. Over 80% of engagement across marketing channels are females. Grandparents are secondary target., sales_contact_email=logan.west@frandev.co, billing_contact_phone=+44 7380 185476, person_completing_2_minute_drill=Rebecca Lueken, day_to_day_operators=Franchisee;Manager/Supervisor, starting_employees_type_1=Aquatics Director / Manager, starting_employees_type_2=Swim Instructors, founder_name=Paul Thompson, onboarding_link=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/franchisor-onboarding-2-minute-drill?brand_name=Water%20Babies, has_current_fdd=Yes, average_start_to_open_time=Less than six months, home_based=No, hs_object_id=29441991184, name=Water Babies, contract_signer_last_name=Higgins, sidekick_commission_2=40000, sidekick_commission_3=53600, group_contact_first_name=Rebecca, fun_facts=Since it was founded in 2002, Water Babies has grown into the world’s largest baby swim school, today teaching more than 80,000 babies every year through a network of family businesses across the globe., sidekick_commission_1=30000, registration_illinois=Pending, business_model_b2b_percentage=0%, contact_email=rebecca.lueken@frandev.co, fbr_survey_link=https://campaigns.franchisesidekick.com/fbr-survey-information?brand_name=Water%20Babies, hs_createdate=1749738026102, display_on_website=true, registration_south_dakota=Not Registered, e2_visa_candidates=Yes, brand_summary=Water Babies is the world's leading baby swimming franchise, passionately dedicated to teaching essential life-saving skills and water safety awareness to infants and young children. We've successfully taught over 600,000 little ones to become lifelong swimmers, building their confidence and fostering a love for the water. Our science-backed lessons are trusted by over 47,000 families weekly, consistently receiving high praise for their engaging approach and measurable progress. The Water Babies franchise opportunity offers a chance to be your own boss with a proven, profitable, and purpose-driven business that truly makes a social impact. Franchisees benefit from multiple revenue streams, including classes, underwater photography, and retail, providing uncapped earning potential. You'll receive full training and extensive ongoing support from our expert team and a global network, helping you achieve both personal success and strong financial returns. It's an ideal venture for career changers, parents, or anyone passionate about building a thriving business while saving lives., company_locations_open=14, secondary_contact_phone=(469) 606-4666, technology=[Job Management, Scheduling, CRM, Inventory Management, Billing, Logistics], employees_per_mature_location=5 or fewer employees, territory_description=50,000 children aged 9 and under, item_7_3_unit_high=232242, territory_check_email=waterbabies@frandev.co, item_7_high=153242, application_invite_link=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/zor-application-invite?brand_name=Water%20Babies, is_boring_offering=No, royalty=10% sliding down to 8% Gross Revenue, registration_rhode_island=Registered, mapping_login_password=N/A, current_franchisees=58, brand_group=FranDevCo, id=29441991184, group_contact_last_name=Lueken, in_house_financing=No, business_category=Youth Enrichment (working with kids), mapping_login_user_name=N/A, registration_california=Pending, registration_new_york=Pending, working_with_other_brokers=Yes, required_liquid_capital=50000, hs_pipeline_stage=33940788, registration_wisconsin=Registered, billing_contact_last_name=Commins, registration_washington=Not Registered, bizbuysell_listing=No, brand_fund_external=2%, veteran_discount=No, hs_updated_by_user_id=52193499, service_6=Seasonal Opportunities, service_2=Premium Teaching Environments, superpowers=- Largest baby swim school in the world and first-to-scale baby swim franchise in the US! - Rising demand for early swim education with the underserved 0-3 year-old market with a full scale program to 12+. - Recurring revenue with a high retention rate partnered with a premium pricing model creates a scalable business with a clear path to success! - World class trained teachers with unmatched lesson experience and award winning curriculum. - Tech-driven operations and the global leaders in underwater photography., billing_contact_email=invoices@waterbabies.co.uk, service_3=Memberships, registration_north_dakota=Not Registered, service_4=Exclusive Photography, sales_process=Intro Call Education Webinars FDD Review Call Validation Executive Call Meet the Team Day Decision Day Call Signing Day, service_5=Branded Retail Items, service_1=Full scale swimming program; birth to 12, territory_protection=Yes, registration_indiana=Registered, leads_email=waterbabies@frandev.co, billing_contact_first_name=Jessica, initial_broker_commissions=Single Unit = $30,000 Each Additional Unit = $10,000, item_7_3_unit_low=186710, white_logo=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/29441991184/white_logo, open_locations_disclosed_in_item_19=Yes, group_contact_email=rebecca.lueken@frandev.co, item_19_data__2=$718,417, item_19_data__1=$1,989,969, item_7_low=107710, main_logo=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/29441991184/main_logo, services_image_top_small=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/29441991184/services_image_small, year_started_franchising=2003, units_awarded_last_12_months=10, contact_phone=984-205-9691, page_title=Water Babies, approximate_break_even_time_frame=2 Years, main_background=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/29441991184/main_background?variant=large, customer_acquisition=[Digital, Referral / Relationship, Sales, Reputation Management, Recurring Revenue], fdd_upload=https://api-na1.hubspot.com/form-integrations/v1/uploaded-files/signed-url-redirect/191302846880?portalId=21052030&sign=d4uHUPoxyvaHwMVOBk2TZ3yyr7s%3D&conversionId=3cd72e41-7b6f-40c5-bf00-73a50ae8e3fc&filename=3cd72e41-7b6f-40c5-bf00-73a50ae8e3fc-2-7178165/fdd_upload-WB-2025-FDD-FINAL-(5.28.25).pdf, hs_object_source_id=3cd72e41-7b6f-40c5-bf00-73a50ae8e3fc, services_image_bottom_small=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/29441991184/services_image_small_2, brand_fund=2% of Gross Revenue, sales_contact_first_name=Logan, update_state_registrations_link=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/update-state-registration?brand_name=Water%20Babies, functions_of_owner_operator=Lead the Business: Franchisees oversee daily operations, from scheduling and staffing to local marketing and financial performance. They act as the central hub of communication, ensuring the team runs smoothly and customer experience is world-class. Build & Support a Team: Hire and manage a small team, including an Aquatics Director and part-time swim instructors; cultivating a positive, professional culture, scheduling ongoing training, and supporting employee development. Drive Local Growth: Franchisees engage with their communities, attending parent events, forming partnerships, and executing marketing plans with guidance from HQ. Local visibility and reputation-building are key to enrollment and retention.Deliver a Mission-Driven Experience: More than just a business, Water Babies is about impact. Franchisees help parents and children build lifelong memories through premium programming, personalized service, and a genuine care for families., contact_first_name=Rebecca, ideal_candidate=Relationship Builder;Passion to Help People;Values Outstanding Customer Service;Community Centric;Business Acumen;Outgoing, competitive_advantage_10=Opportunities with large fitness brands, hotel chains, community centers around the country!, unique_name=Water Babies, major_competitors=British Swim School, Goldfish, Aqua Tots, SafeSplash, Big Blue, Emler, and local swim schools, available_internationally=No, services_image_bottom_medium=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/29441991184/services_image_medium_2, hs_object_source_detail_1=Franchisor Web Application , competitive_advantage_3=Recurring Revenue, High Retention Model, competitive_advantage_2=Focus on Underserved 0-3 Year-Old Market, affiliate_brands_owned=All Dry, Chatime, Conquer Padel Club, Heights Wellness Retreat, IV Nutrition, Main Squeeze Juice Co., Morelia Gourmet Paletas, MosquitoNix, PatchMaster, Patrice & Associates, Resting Rainbow, Service Experts, Taste Buds Kitchen, The Glass Guru, competitive_advantage_1=Rising Demand for Early Swim Education, competitive_advantage_7=Proven Global Model; Operating in 5 Countries with 80+ Territories, competitive_advantage_6=Full Scale Swimming Program from Birth to 12+, competitive_advantage_5=Award-Winning Curriculum & Brand: Oceans of imagination delivers immersive, story-based swim lessons backed by decades of developmental expertise, competitive_advantage_4=First-to-Scale Baby Swim Franchise in the U.S., competitive_advantage_9=World-Class Tech & Support: Custom CRM, ADA, plus global training, marketing & operations support create an incredible solution for franchise success., number_type_of_employees=- Franchisee - Aquatics Director / Manager - 400 Customers: FT Customer Service Coordinator - 800 Customers: FT Sales Acquisition - 1500 Customers: FT Customer Service Support - Swim Instructors as and when required - PT (averaging between 10 and 15 hrs per week) , competitive_advantage_8=Multiple Revenue Streams: Lessons, Underwater Photography, Branded Retail & Seasonal Opportunities, contact_last_name=Lueken, employee_skillset_type=Compensated more with a specific skillset, locations_open=66, item_19_label__1=2024 Gross Revenue, item_19_label__2=2024 Net Operating Income, joined_inventory_at=1754265600000, required_net_worth=150000, registration_hawaii=Not Registered, registration_minnesota=Pending, services_image_bottom_large=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/29441991184/services_image_large_2, submission_idempotent_id=3cd72e41-7b6f-40c5-bf00-73a50ae8e3fc, franchise_fee_10=379000, brand_summary_marketing_revision=Water Babies is the world's leading baby swimming franchise, passionately dedicated to teaching essential life-saving skills and water safety awareness to infants and young children. We've successfully taught over 600,000 little ones to become lifelong swimmers, building their confidence and fostering a love for the water. Our science-backed lessons are trusted by over 47,000 families weekly, consistently receiving high praise for their engaging approach and measurable progress. The Water Babies franchise opportunity offers a chance to be your own boss with a proven, profitable, and purpose-driven business that truly makes a social impact. Franchisees benefit from multiple revenue streams, including classes, underwater photography, and retail, providing uncapped earning potential. You'll receive full training and extensive ongoing support from our expert team and a global network, helping you achieve both personal success and strong financial returns. It's an ideal venture for career changers, parents, or anyone passionate about building a thriving business while saving lives., area_development_opportunities=No, franchise_fee_3=134000, franchise_fee_4=169000, franchise_fee_5=204000, industry_size=Parents spend $3.5bn on private swimming, franchise_fee_6=239000, franchise_fee_7=274000, secondary_contact_first_name=Matthew , franchise_fee_8=309000, franchise_fee_9=344000, hs_object_source=FORM, display_two_minute_drill=true, mapping_access_url=N/A, business_model_b2c_percentage=100%, dynamic_page_slug=water-babies, franchise_fee_2=99000}

• Brands
• Water Babies

Water Babies

Brand Summary

Water Babies is the world's leading baby swimming franchise, passionately dedicated to teaching essential life-saving skills and water safety awareness to infants and young children. We've successfully taught over 600,000 little ones to become lifelong swimmers, building their confidence and fostering a love for the water. Our science-backed lessons are trusted by over 47,000 families weekly, consistently receiving high praise for their engaging approach and measurable progress. The Water Babies franchise opportunity offers a chance to be your own boss with a proven, profitable, and purpose-driven business that truly makes a social impact. Franchisees benefit from multiple revenue streams, including classes, underwater photography, and retail, providing uncapped earning potential. You'll receive full training and extensive ongoing support from our expert team and a global network, helping you achieve both personal success and strong financial returns. It's an ideal venture for career changers, parents, or anyone passionate about building a thriving business while saving lives.

Brand Superpowers

World Class Trained Teachers

Unmatched Lesson Experience

Global Leaders in Underwater Photography

Tech-Driven Operations

From Birth, For Life!

*THE NUMBERS

$107,710 - $153,242 Investment Range

$1,989,969 2024 Gross Revenue

$718,417 2024 Net Operating Income

8% - 10% Royalty

2% of Gross Revenue Brand Fund

$150,000 Financial Requirements

Business Basics Get to know the brand

The Stats What is the growth trajectory of the brand

Ideal Candidate What characteristics do the highest-performing franchisees have

Founder	Paul Thompson
Home Office Location	115 E Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 16, Southern Pines, NC 28387
Company Founded	2002
Began Franchising	2003
Industry	Swim School, Children's Services & Education, Sports & Recreation, Fitness & Health
Industry Size	Parents spend $3.5bn on private swimming
Veteran Discount	No
Group Health Insurance	No

Business Basics Get to know the brand

Founder	Paul Thompson
Home Office Location	115 E Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 16, Southern Pines, NC 28387
Company Founded	2002
Began Franchising	2003
Industry	Swim School, Children's Services & Education, Sports & Recreation, Fitness & Health
Industry Size	Parents spend $3.5bn on private swimming
Veteran Discount	No
Group Health Insurance	No

The Stats What is the growth trajectory of the brand

Company Units Open	14
Franchise Units Awarded All Time	80
Franchise Units Awarded Last 12 Months	10
Franchise Units Open	66
Number of franchisees	58

Ideal Candidate What characteristics do the highest-performing franchisees have

Relationship Builder
Passion to Help People
Values Outstanding Customer Service
Community Centric
Business Acumen
Outgoing

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DO THEY OFFER FINANCING TO HELP BUY THE FRANCHISE?

No

WHAT KIND OF TECHNOLOGY DO THEY HAVE IN PLACE?

Job Management, Scheduling, CRM, Inventory Management, Billing and Logistics

DO THEY OFFER FLEXIBLE OWNERSHIP?

Yes

DO THEY OFFER A DISCOUNT TO VETERANS?

No

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*REFER TO MOST RECENT FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT ITEM 19. THIS INFORMATION MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE FIRST PUBLISHED. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU ALWAYS VERIFY FEES, INVESTMENT AMOUNTS, AND OFFERS FOR THE FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY DIRECTLY WITH THE FRANCHISOR PRIOR TO DECIDING TO INVEST.