Fifteen years ago, Goldfish Swim School opened its flagship location in Birmingham, MI and made a splash that created waves in the learn to swim industry! Today, Goldfish Swim School can be found in 120 communities across North America and has established itself as the premier learn-to-swim facility for kids ages 4 months to 12 years.

After a successful start to 2021, with record-breaking franchise growth, new openings and rising enrollment, Goldfish remains on track for explosive expansion in 2021 and beyond! With a solid business model, an aggressive growth strategy and strong unit economics, it’s no wonder why entrepreneurs are looking to ride the wave of Goldfish Swim School’s success.

Continue reading for the Top 4 reasons why Goldfish Swim School is an appealing option for entrepreneurs looking to invest in a franchise business opportunity that’s fulfilling, fun and fast-growing!

#1 We have a time-tested business model

Goldfish Swim School continues to lap the competition on its way to becoming the largest and most established swim school franchise in the space. Only 18% of franchise brands have 100 units or more, and only 5% open 100 locations in 10 years as we have.

Having opened 120 locations in more than 30 states and provinces across North America, we know what it takes to build a thriving franchise and have developed a proven process for providing franchise owners with the training, support and resources they need to get up and running, from site selection and construction to everything in between.

As one of the first people to come aboard as a franchisee, Alex Tyler had the unique experience of watching Goldfish evolve from an up-and-coming franchise concept to a nationally-recognized and beloved brand. Having personally ridden the wave of Goldfish Swim School’s success, Alex has opened multiple locations and points to the company’s time-tested processes as a key factor in its ability to quickly scale and replicate results.

READ MORE: Goldfish Swim School CEO Shares 5 Must-Haves in Post-Pandemic Playbook

#2 We’re an established leader in the learn-to-swim industry

Goldfish’s success has not gone unnoticed in the franchise space either! Our industry-leading support systems, award-winning marketing campaigns and continued focus on innovation and customer experience has earned us accolades as the premier swim school franchise concept.

Outranking the competition, Goldfish Swim School comes in at No. 11 on Franchise Times’ Fast & Serious List and No. 29 in Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2021 Franchise 500®, as the top swim school franchise. We’re also honored to have been named a Top Franchise for 2021 by Franchise Business Review and to have retained our spot on Inc. 5000 for the sixth consecutive year.

Our relentless focus on going above and beyond to nurture a culture that provides a golden experience has also resulted in a first-in-class NPS score that rivals those of top-rated luxury brands, such as Ritz Carlton and Apple. Our vibrant tropical atmosphere, shiver-free pools and proprietary Science of SwimPlay® philosophy are just a few reasons why potential members and franchisees look to Goldfish as a best-in-class consumer offering.

#3 We operate in a recession-proof industry

With a 52% increase in year-round swim memberships from 2000-2017, the $3.8 billion swim school industry shows no signs of slowing down—and neither do we!

Recognized as a Top Recession-Proof Business for 2021 by Franchise Business Review, Goldfish Swim School is poised for continued growth in today’s post-pandemic economy. In March 2020, all 102 locations were closed due to the pandemic but by August 2020, all U.S. schools had reopened. Today, we have 120 open schools with another eight schools slated to open in the second half of 2021.

Although the world may look a little different, drowning sadly remains the number one cause of injury-related death for children ages 1-4, and the third leading cause of injury-related death for children and adolescents ages 5-19. With the ability to reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%, swim lessons provide children with life-saving skills parents deem essential.

As part of our mission to change the staggering statistics surrounding drowning and help children learn how to be safer in and around the water, we’re looking for qualified individuals who are eager to make a difference as a single unit or multi-unit franchise owner.

#4 We’re a purpose-driven business

There are multiple franchise opportunities out there, but how many can say they provide an essential community service by teaching a life-saving skill? It’s part of our story, and it can be part of yours, too!

Not only does opening a swim school franchise help provide greater access to swim lesson options for families, it provides entrepreneurial-minded individuals with an opportunity to own a business that’s both personally and professionally rewarding.

When you own a Goldfish Swim School, you’re part of something bigger. Just ask Mike Meilleur, who recently sat down with Franchising.com to share why he decided to make the switch from restaurants to service brands like Goldfish Swim School.

When you invest in Goldfish, you’re investing in an endless pool of possibilities, opportunities and life-changing moments that allow you to achieve Extraordinary Results while making an impact in the lives of children, your community and your career.

READ MORE: Franchise Opportunities: Giving Back With Goldfish Swim School

Are You Ready to Join a Franchise That’s Making Waves?

It’s time to swim into a GOLDEN opportunity! As we continue to expand and aim to uphold our position as the industry leader in innovation, member experience and community goodwill, we’re looking for motivated individuals as well as multi-unit franchise owners to join us in bringing the golden experience of Goldfish Swim School to even more communities across North America, especially California, Dallas, Houston, Portland and Nashville, where we see promising opportunities for growth.

Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of franchising or you’re looking to build your portfolio with a top-rated franchise brand, we invite you to learn more about the available markets in which Goldfish Swim School currently has opportunities and contact us with any questions you have about getting started.