According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, there were 42 non-boating drownings in Minnesota in 2023. And while I hate to start an editorial with such an alarming statistic, the truth is that we live in a state surrounded by lakes, rivers, and bodies of water.
Creating awareness about water safety is important for everyone in Minnesota. That’s why this story is so compelling to me, at least, as a fellow swimmer. Goldfish Swim School, a premier learn-to-swim institution, has made its way to our communities with a mission to make water safety a priority.
Michelle Beck, director of marketing, has a personal connection to Goldfish Swim School. She was a "Goldfish mom" before taking on her role in June 2023. "I've seen the success firsthand," Michelle shares. "My three kids attended the Eagan location, and now they're at Lakeville. I deeply believe in the curriculum and want to get the word out."
The Goldfish Swim School Story
Goldfish Swim School began in the early 2000s with co-founder Jenny McCuiston, a former Olympic trials swimmer, and her husband Chris, a college athlete. Jenny saw a need for better swim instruction, and after extensive research and planning, the couple opened their first school in 2006. Today, Goldfish Swim School has over 150 locations nationwide and has taught over 10 million swim lessons in 2023 alone.
In Minnesota, Goldfish Swim School operates four locations: Oakdale, Eagan, Minnetonka, and the newly opened Lakeville. Dave and Sarah Handley, along with Jeremy and Carrie Kleppe, the owners of Goldfish Swim School Eagan, Oakdale, and Lakeville, are deeply rooted in the community and have a strong passion to bring water safety to the land of 10,000 lakes. "Swimming lessons and water safety have always been a part of the owners' lives," says Melissa Sewick, the director of operations.
A Unique Approach to Teaching Kids to Swim
Goldfish Swim School's passion for saving lives and its family-friendly, tropical atmosphere make it a bit different than other swim schools you might see floating around. "I love working with the teams," says Melissa, who joined the company in 2017. "I enjoy helping each school become the best it can be. Seeing the accomplishments in the kids and hearing from parents about the difference it has made in their lives is incredibly rewarding."
Michelle echoes this sentiment. "My favorite part is sharing the Goldfish story with the communities," she says. "I've been through the programs with my kids and seen the success. We're living, breathing proof of the curriculum."
An All-Inclusive Swim School with Easy Enrollment
Goldfish Swim School makes it simple for families to get started. Parents can enroll their children or sign up for a free trial online. They can also call, text, or stop in for a tour. "Swim lessons save lives," Melissa emphasizes. "It's never too late to enroll your child in swim lessons."
For many parents, the thought of swim lessons can be intimidating and a source or stress and anxiety, especially if their child has never been in the water before. "Our staff goes through extensive training, there are always lifeguards on duty, and we will work with all families to teach their children how to swim,” says Melissa.
Building Confidence and Skills
The school’s mission goes beyond just teaching kids to swim. It's about building confidence and equipping children with the skills to stay safe in and around water. "The pure passion for saving lives and making a difference in kids' swimming ability drives us," Melissa explains. "We want to increase confidence in both kids and their parents regarding water safety."
The school's unique approach includes a tropical atmosphere, a family-friendly environment, and a 90-degree pool that inspires a fun learning environment and keeps kids engaged. This environment also helps kids feel comfortable and excited about their lessons.
A Community Commitment
But the school's commitment extends beyond the pool. Franchise owners Dave and Sarah Handley and Carrie and Jeremy Kleppe are active members of the nearby Stillwater community. They participate in local events and sports, embedding themselves into the community they serve. This local involvement strengthens the bond between the swim school and the families it supports, creating a network of safety and trust.
Goldfish Swim School's impact is clear in the stories shared by parents and the progress seen in their children. The dedication of the staff, the comprehensive curriculum, and the welcoming environment all contribute to a program that not only teaches swimming but also builds lifelong skills and confidence.
Let Goldfish Swim School Teach Your Kids Respect for the Water
Goldfish Swim School is more than just a place to learn how to swim. It's a community dedicated to making water safety accessible and enjoyable for all children. With passionate staff, supportive franchise owners, and a proven curriculum, Goldfish Swim School is significantly impacting water safety in Minnesota.
So, whether you're a parent looking to enroll your child in swim lessons for the first time or someone who values the importance of water safety, Goldfish Swim School is here to help. As Michelle says, "We're living, breathing proof of the success of our curriculum. Join us in making water safety a priority."
For more information, visit their website at www.goldfishswimschool.com/mn and take the first step towards a safer, more confident future for your child.