From 1st–7th March 2026, something very special is happening in pools across the UK, Ireland and beyond. We’re proud to launch the very first International Baby Swimming Teacher Week – a global celebration dedicated to recognising the incredible professionals who introduce babies and toddlers to the water.

For one whole week, we’ll be shining a spotlight on the teachers who help little ones build water confidence, learn vital safety skills, and experience magical moments in the pool with their families.

Because behind every splash, every giggle, and every proud milestone… there’s a teacher who made it possible.

 

Get involved… Nominate your favourite Turtle Tots Teacher for our ‘Turtle Tots Baby Swimming Teacher of the Year’ award

Nominations for ‘Turtle Tots Baby Swimming Teacher of the Year’ have now closed. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to nominate. We have loved reading through your reasons and have shared them directly with our teams. We will select a winner from the thousands of nominations received and will share the announcement with you all on our website and via email very soon.

Why We’re Celebrating Baby Swimming Teachers

Baby swimming teachers do so much more than teach a life skill.

They nurture confidence.
They build trust.
They create joyful, safe spaces where babies and parents can thrive together.

Every week, thousands of teachers across the country support families as their little ones take those first precious steps into the water. Through gentle guidance, songs, play, repetition and reassurance, they lay the foundations for a lifetime of water safety and enjoyment.

International Baby Swimming Teacher Week is our opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to the people who teach with patience, passion and purpose.

 

The Vital Role They Play in Early Childhood Development

Baby swimming isn’t just about learning to swim, it’s about holistic early years development supporting the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of a child.

Water Safety from the Very Start

Teachers empower families with essential, life-saving water safety skills. By fostering respect for water in a safe and structured environment, they help build strong foundations for lifelong confidence and safety for both baby and parent.

Physical Development

The unique properties of water allow babies to move more freely than they can on land. Under expert guidance, they strengthen muscles, develop coordination and improve balance, all while having enormous fun.

Emotional Bonding

The pool is a distraction-free space. Close physical contact, shared achievements and playful interaction help strengthen the parent-child bond. Celebrating new milestones together builds trust, security and lasting emotional connection.

Social Confidence

Group lessons gently introduce babies to their peers in a secure, stimulating environment. Teachers foster positive interaction while also helping parents connect with others at the same stage of life, creating friendships and supportive communities that extend well beyond the pool.

 

A Celebration at a Crucial Time

The launch of International Baby Swimming Teacher Week also comes at an important moment for the sector.

According to the STA Baby Swimming Survey 2025, published by the Swimming Teachers’ Association, the shortage of qualified baby and pre-school swimming teachers is now the single biggest concern for swim schools, cited by 55% of providers.

The survey, which gathered responses from 239 swim schools collectively teaching more than 45,000 children aged 0–5 every week, also found:

• 78% of swim schools report an increase in mums wanting weekend classes
• Pool availability and rising operational costs are adding further pressure
• Demand continues to grow as more parents return to work earlier

At Turtle Tots, we’re seeing this demand first-hand across our nationwide network of more than 50 franchisees and 180 teachers.

As our Co-founder, Caroline Sparks, explains:

“Baby swimming teachers are often the very first professionals to help a child and their parent feel confident in the water. They play an important role in early development, bonding and water safety but the latest survey shows the sector is under growing pressure. International Baby Swimming Teacher Week is a timely opportunity to recognise these professionals, support the workforce for the future and highlight the career opportunities this rewarding profession offers.”

 

A Rewarding and Purpose-Driven Career

Many baby swimming teachers join the profession after experiencing lessons as parents themselves. They see first-hand the impact a great teacher can have and decide they want to make that difference too.

As Joanna Wood, Head of Aquatics at Turtle Tots, shares:

“We see teachers joining from all sorts of backgrounds, from education and healthcare to corporate roles and law. The are all united by a desire to make a difference in early years and help families feel safe and supported in the water.”

For many, it offers flexibility, purpose, community and the chance to positively shape a child’s earliest experiences.

International Baby Swimming Teacher Week isn’t just about appreciation, it’s also about raising awareness of the need to grow and support this vital workforce for the future.

 

How We’ll Be Marking the Week

Throughout 1st–7th March 2026, we’ll be:

• Sharing inspiring teacher stories from across the UK, Ireland and beyond
• Celebrating the people behind every splash
• Encouraging families to nominate, thank and recognise their teachers
• Highlighting the powerful impact baby swimming has on early years development
• Raising awareness of career opportunities within the sector

As the organisation leading this global initiative, Turtle Tots is incredibly proud to teach thousands of babies, toddlers and preschoolers to swim every week through our progressive programmes focused on water confidence, safety and positive parent-child experiences, alongside our much-loved aquanatal yoga classes for expectant mums.

 

Join Us in Saying Thank You

If you’ve ever watched your baby light up in the water…
If you’ve felt that surge of pride at a first splash or underwater moment…
If you’ve made friendships poolside that have lasted long beyond babyhood…

Then you’ve experienced the magic baby swimming teachers create every single day.

From 1st–7th March 2026, let’s come together to celebrate them.

Let’s recognise their expertise.
Let’s value their impact.
Let’s support the future of baby swimming.

Because when we celebrate the teacher, we strengthen the entire community and ensure many more families can experience the joy, safety and connection that baby swimming brings.

 

 

Turtle Tots Baby Swimming Teacher of the Year – Prize Terms & Conditions

Eligibility: Open to parents/guardians aged 18+ in the UK and Ireland who are current or recent Turtle Tots customers. Turtle Tots staff and their families cannot enter.

How to Enter: Submit a nomination via the official online form during the promotional period. One nomination per household. Tell us who your favourite Turtle Tots Baby Swimming Teacher is and why they’ve inspired you.

Prize: One free term of Turtle Tots baby swimming lessons for the parent who nominates the winning teacher. If more than one parent nominates the same teacher, a parents name will be selected at random as the prize winner from that shortlist.  The prize is non-transferable, cannot be exchanged for cash, and is subject to class availability.

Judging & Winner Notification: A panel will select the winning teacher and nominating parent based on the quality and impact of the nomination. The prize winner will be notified by email and must respond within 14 days, or an alternative winner may be chosen.

Publicity: By entering, you agree that your first name, location, and nomination may be used for promotional purposes. The winning teacher and parent may be invited to participate in publicity.

General: Entries must be received before the closing date. Turtle Tots reserves the right to amend or withdraw the competition if necessary. By entering, you agree to these terms.