Today, World Drowning Prevention Day, the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Every Child A Swimmer announced a partnership to offer low-cost or free swimming lessons to more children in more communities. According to the CDC drowning is the number one cause of death among children aged 1 to 4 and the second most common cause for those aged 5 to 14.
Goldfish Swim School, the largest swim school franchise in North America is partnered with ECAS, ISHOF’s nonprofit organization that helps families gain access to swimming lessons. This partnership doubles ECAS’ total footprint, bringing it to 231 locations. It also helps to amplify ECAS and Goldfish Swim School’s individual efforts to promote water safety by providing swim lessons and instruction in water safety for infants and young children from four months to twelve years.
The key initiatives of the partnership include:
- Streamlined Registration. Parents may find out more about the Every Child A Swimmer Program at any Goldfish Swim School in the United States by filling out an easy form. Goldfish Swim Schools have been pre-approved to simplify the process and allow more children to take advantage of swim lessons.
- National Expansion. Both organizations will work together to make Every Child A Swimmer available in all communities. Both groups hope to develop a comprehensive and cohesive approach to water safety by connecting with entities in different states.
- Advocacy for Legislation. Together the organizations will expand existing legislation related to water education and safety. They hope to influence policymakers by pooling their expertise and resources.
- Collaboration With Pediatricians. Goldfish Swim School’s Goldfish RX Program provides tools to pediatricians and family physicians in order to encourage water safety discussions. Goldfish Swim School Franchise also partners with Dr. Molly O’Shea, a renowned pediatrician to offer additional educational opportunities. This will help to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of swimming lessons.
Casey McGovern, manager of the Every Child A Swimmer program, says that “our new alliance with Goldfish Swim School represents another step forward in spreading water safety information and reducing incidents for children.” By joining forces, our ability to assist families in North America is boosted.
In May, the group was successful in lobbying for legislation in Georgia, Arkansas, and other states that require schools to give parents information on water safety and where they can find local swim school resources. Florida was the very first state in 2021 to pass such legislation. The ultimate goal of the program is to have all 50 states pass similar legislation.
Chris McCuiston, CEO and Co-founder of Goldfish Swim School Franchising, says: “We are confident that we can make a positive impact on children’s lives with our new partnership. “Together we can ensure every child has the chance to become a confident swimmer and acquire essential water-safety skills. And World Drowning Prevention Day couldn’t have been a better occasion to unveil this partnership.”
Goldfish Swim School, based in Michigan offers swim lessons and water-safety instruction for infants and young children aged between four months and 12 years. The classes are taught by specially-trained instructors in a child-friendly, safe environment. The Science of SwimPlay is a philosophy based on research. The brand has expanded to 150 franchised locations in 30 states since its opening in 2009. Additional 150 are in the development stage.
To learn more about Goldfish Swim School, visit www.goldfishswimschool.com. For more information on the partnership and Every Child A Swimmer, visit www.everychildaswimmer.org.
