Goldfish Swim School, a national franchise, opened in Centereach last month. Classes began Jan. 9. Jake Atchoo, the Area Manager for the Centereach location, saw a need for a premium swim school and lessons in the Long Island community, particularly due to the proximity of the shores and the amount of swimming pools in unfenced backyards. Along with the help and support of his family, Atchoo opened this new franchise location after working in other Goldfish Swim Schools across the country. On March 3, the Suffolk County swim school will hold a free grand opening party with family swim, snacks and refreshments, games, and more.

He states the curriculum at Goldfish Swim School is unparalleled as it focuses on a concept called The Science of Swim Play®, which is the fact that children learn best through play.

“Everything is made to be interactive and fun because we know kids learn best in that way, and that is how we teach it as well,” Atchoo says. “We are trying to take a really important life skill and incorporate fun and positive reinforcement and confidence building into that.”

Along with managers, the center has 20 part-time staff members, all of which are cross trained as instructors and life guards, as well as receptionists and customer service employees, to give the team members a more well-rounded skill set to better serve the customers. With extended family involved in a variety of aspects in the business, Atchoo explains the Centereach location is run as a family owned and operated location.

Once a week, 30-minute swim lessons are available for children ranging from 4 months to 12 years old. Goldfish is committed to maximum of four children per class to give personalized attention while allowing them to have fun learning from other kids and to incorporate the benefits of socialization.

“Every day we know we are not only teaching them a skill that will make them safe in and around the water, but outstanding humans for our future,” says Atchoo. “Our entire family and staff believe that you are a superhero, a mentor, a confidence builder. There is a much bigger purpose and vision to this than just a swimming pool. We are teaching a life skill and we are also helping children to be the best versions of themselves.”

Classes are offered on a month to month basis, not by annual contract, allowing for the personalized schedule of each family. Goldfish Swim School also has locations in Farmingdale and Garden City.