Local baby swim school owner shortlisted for national lifetime achievement award
Since 2004, local baby swimming expert, Tamsin Brewis, has taught thousands of little ones from across Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire to swim at her school, Water Babies Bucks & Beds. In recognition of her commitment to ensuring newborns, toddlers and pre-schoolers are confident around water from an early age, Tamsin has been shortlisted for a lifetime achievement award at this year’s national Club Hub Awards.
After recently celebrating 18 years of teaching the confident little swimmers of tomorrow, during which she has grown her business to employ a team of 19 people, who work at 19 schools across four counties, this nomination is a well-deserved opportunity to reflect and celebrate on Tamsin’s successes.
“I’m honoured to be nominated for this award. Teaching young children to be confident around water is so important, and I am always inspired by the confidence and community my classes bring. Many of the children I teach, and their parents, stay in touch for years after learning to swim with me, and knowing I have been able to bring such positivity and connection is fantastic,” Tamsin told us. “I love being such an integral part of the communities I run my sessions in, and I feel very grateful to be able to work with so many wonderful families as I teach their children to swim.”
“I cannot stress enough the importance of swimming as a life-saving skill. With drowning being a cause of accidental death among children in the UK, more emphasis on education and safety awareness in and around water is essential. Even as little as five centimetres of water can be dangerous so it is crucial for everyone to possess basic training to keep themselves safe in and around water. Teaching children these skills from a young age is the simplest way to keep our community safe” Tamsin told us.
One of ninety-three finalists from over four hundred applications, Tamsin said, “By engaging in social activities, children learn how to interact with others and develop their communication skills, which are essential for success in school, work, and personal relationships. Participating in swimming from a young age promotes an active lifestyle and encourages children to develop healthy habits, improving both their physical and mental health. Water Babies sessions are fun and interactive, giving both children and their caregivers a positive experience and promoting secure, confident development.”
Award winners will be announced at the Club Hub Event 2023 at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham on Saturday 13th May. Tamsin told us. “I can’t wait for the event – it’s a full day with speakers, workshops and networking before the award ceremony. I’ll be learning lots of new things and meeting up with lots of friends, both old and new. I’m running one of the workshops, ‘Children of today are adults of the future’ and I’m really looking forward to discussing this important topic. As children’s activity providers, there’s a real sense of energy and togetherness at events like this which is so inspiring to be a part of.”
For more information on Water Babies Bucks & Beds, visit: www.waterbabies.co.uk/lp/baby-swimming/bucks-and-beds