Baby, pre-school and Swim Academy swimming school, Puddle Ducks, is celebrating 10 years of teaching thousands of local children to swim.

Puddle Ducks holds sessions at Every Sensation, Sutton; Fitness Flex, Mansfield; and South Forest, Edwinstowe.

Puddle Ducks Nottinghamshire and North Leicestershire was launched in January 2010 by owner Liz Gabriel following a successful career as a buyer for a national pharmacy retail chain.

As the business went from strength to strength — and to support the growing interest and demand for baby swimming lessons — Liz’s husband, Phil, joined the business in 2014.

In the last 10 years the team has grown to three members of office staff and eight swimming teachers, who lead more than 150 classes to 1,000 children per week in 10 pools across Nottingham, Mansfield, Loughborough and Leicester.

A particular highlight during their 10 years in business was when Liz and Phil made the decision to buy the Key Health Club in Keyworth, Nottingham, in 2017.

The couple transformed the health club and, following major refurbishment, they now have a swimming pool where they run Puddle Ducks swimming lessons seven days a week, as well as an air-conditioned gym, spin and exercise studio, weights area, swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, café and beauty treatment rooms.

Liz said: “My journey started back in May 2009 when I was looking for opportunities to set up my own business and I found and fell in love with Puddle Ducks. Puddle Ducks Nottinghamshire and North Leicestershire was launched with just 16 customers across three pools. At that time, it was just me, so I took on all the roles associated with running a new business.

“As with all new businesses, the past 10 years have certainly been a roller-coaster ride, with lots of highs and a few lows.

“But if I was asked would I choose to do it all again, it would be a resounding yes!

“It has been both a pleasure and an honour to be entrusted by so many families to teach their children to swim, helping them to learn a lifelong skill and to love the water.

“We have also forged many friendships and made lots of wonderful memories along the way. We feel very lucky to be part of so many children’s lives. Here’s to the next 10 years and lots more lovely Puddle Ducks fun.”

To celebrate, Liz, Phil, their team and customers have been sharing their memories from over the last 10 years on social media, giving people a chance to win one of 10 Puddle Ducks prizes.

For more information about Puddle Ducks Nottinghamshire and North Leicestershire, call 07906 191504 or visit www.puddleducks.com/local-teams/nottinghamshire-north-leicestershire