A Dorset-based swim school is racing to secure new venues in Hampshire after losing access to its largest pool, with just 16 months until Hoburne Bashley terminates all external rental agreements.
Owner Jane Bozic confirmed the urgent search for additional facilities, citing Hampshire’s strong demand for baby and toddler swimming lessons. "We’ve seen consistent growth in Hampshire, and families are actively seeking high-quality swim programs," Bozic said. "But without new venues, we risk turning away dozens of children and missing a critical opportunity to expand our lifesaving work."
Key Points
- ⏳⚠️ Hoburne Bashley stops pool rentals in July 2026, cutting off Puddle Ducks’ Bashley operations
- 🏊♂️ Current seven pools span Dorset and Hampshire, but Hampshire expansion is stalled
- 💰 Puddle Ducks offers pool owners financial incentives, including revenue sharing and insurance support
Puddle Ducks specializes in parent-and-baby aquatic classes, where safety and engagement are prioritized. The program’s structure requires pools with specific dimensions, water temperature controls, and shallow teaching zones—limiting the pool’s usable hours for traditional swimming or leisure activities.
| Pool Type | Suitability for Puddle Ducks | Typical Income Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Public Leisure Pools | ✅ High — designed for structured sessions | £1,200–£2,500 per month per lane |
| Hotel/Resort Pools | ⚠️ Moderate — often closed during off-peak hours | £800–£1,800 per month |
| School Pools | ❌ Low — limited availability during term time | £300–£900 per month |
The swim school’s model relies on predictable, long-term bookings to justify investment in staff and equipment. Bozic emphasized the mutual benefits for pool operators: "We don’t just fill empty slots—we turn underused facilities into community hubs that generate steady income. For pool owners struggling with rising energy costs, our lessons provide a lifeline."
💡 Pro Tip
Pool operators should prioritize partnerships with swim schools during shoulder seasons (April–June and September–October) to lock in favorable rates before demand peaks in winter.
Puddle Ducks has already held exploratory talks with several Hampshire councils, including Eastleigh and Fareham, but no agreements have been finalized. Local leisure center managers cited concerns over noise, chlorine levels, and potential wear-and-tear as deterrents, despite assurances from Bozic that the program adheres to strict health and safety standards.
📋 By The Numbers
- 12-month — Minimum lease term Puddle Ducks requires for new venues
- 25% — Revenue share offered to pool operators in exchange for exclusive booking rights
- 30% — Increase in Hampshire inquiries for baby swim classes since 2023
Bozic dismissed rumors that the search was a sign of financial strain, calling the expansion "a strategic move to meet unmet demand." She pointed to Hampshire’s growing family population and high disposable income as key drivers. "We’re not just filling pools—we’re building confidence in the next generation of swimmers."
- 🔍 Hampshire’s pool shortage mirrors a national trend, with 1 in 5 public pools closing since 2020 due to maintenance costs
- 📊 Puddle Ducks’ Hampshire waitlist has grown by 40% in the past year, with most families citing safety concerns as a top priority
- ⚠️ Limited winter availability in leisure centers could delay new partnerships until spring 2025
Interested pool operators or local authorities in Hampshire have until December 31 to express interest via Puddle Ducks’ dedicated portal. Bozic warned that venues meeting the swim school’s criteria would be assessed within 30 days to ensure a smooth transition before Bashley’s exit. "Time is running out," she said. "Every day we wait, another family is turned away."
- Express interest — Submit pool specifications via puddleducks.com/hampshire-venues by December 31
- Site assessment — Puddle Ducks schedules a 2-hour evaluation of pool dimensions, heating, and acoustics
- Contract signing — Finalize 12-month lease with revenue-sharing terms within 60 days