Big Blue Swim School Coming Soon to Escondido

• Local Entrepreneurs Bring Olympian-Backed Swim Lessons to Inland North County

• Joining Point Loma Pool Locally, and Five Southern California Pools Regionally

New Location Details

Led by a local family ownership group, the new pool will provide families in Escondido the opportunity to experience Big Blue’s Olympian-backed program, featuring a specialized curriculum written by Olympian Tom Dolan and former world record holder Chris DeJong that focuses on individualized learning in an inspiring environment for children.

As parents themselves, the local owners were drawn to Big Blue Swim School after struggling to find a clean, comfortable, year-round and positive swim lesson experience for younger children in their own community, a search that ultimately inspired their decision to bring a new standard of swim education to local families in and around Escondido. The new Big Blue Swim School will be located by The Home Depot on W. Valley Parkway, just off the 78/15 intersection and marks the sixth location in Southern California, building upon the 50-plus swim schools currently open nationwide across 17 states.

“Families in Escondido deserve a swim school that feels welcoming, consistent, and truly focused on each child,” said Victoria Pitts, Manager of Big Blue Swim School in Escondido and a longtime local resident with deep professional experience working with children areawide. “Our team is committed to creating an environment where kids feel supported, confident, and excited to learn. Big Blue’s individualized approach and progress‑tracking technology give parents real visibility into how their swimmer is growing, and we’re looking forward to becoming a trusted resource for families in the community.”

The new facility provides a year-round, indoor space where children can build essential life skills, meeting growing local demand for swim programs. Its warm-water environment ensures a comfortable and consistent setting for families as children learn and progress in the water. According to a 2025 report, San Diego ranks above the national average for fatal drownings.

At Big Blue, lessons are offered across four progressive levels—Baby Blue, Bright Blue, Bold Blue and Big Blue—each designed with a specific class ratio to best support swimmers based on age and skill level. Lessons are 30 minutes in length for all levels except Big Blue, which is a 45-minute class to accommodate more advanced swimmers. Private lessons are available upon request, though standard class ratios are intentionally structured to balance socialization with individualized instructor attention.

Swim School Curriculum

Big Blue Swim School was founded with the belief that learning to swim is about more than just safety, it’s about building confidence, bravery and lifelong skills. Focused on specialized, learn-at-your-own-pace curriculum, Big Blue offers individualized instruction in a calm, supportive environment designed for children at every swim level. With highly trained instructors and a strong focus on family experience, Big Blue Swim School provides a premium approach to swim education that helps kids grow both in and out of the water, while supporting parents with flexible lesson options that fit into busy schedules.

Founded by U.S. National Champion swimmer Chris DeJong, who serves as company President, and supported by Olympian leadership including Tom Dolan, President of Corporate Pools and a two-time Olympic gold medalist and silver medalist, the brand is rooted in expertise, credibility, and a deep understanding of how children succeed in the water.

The new location is also expected to create local job opportunities while serving families throughout Inland North County, further strengthening Big Blue’s role as a community-focused resource.

“We truly understand the responsibility that comes with serving families,” said Chris DeJong, President and Founder of Big Blue Swim School and a former U.S. Men’s National Swim Team member.

“The Escondido team brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach that aligns closely with how we believe Big Blue should operate. As parents themselves, they understand the importance of access, consistency, and creating an environment where kids feel supported and confident in the water. Their commitment to both the family experience and the community makes them a strong addition to our system, and we’re excited to support them as they introduce Big Blue Swim School to the Escondido area.”

Founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong and backed by Level 5 Capital Partners, Big Blue Swim School is one of the nation’s fastest-growing swim school franchises. The brand offers best-in-class swim lessons for children ages three months to 12 years, combining strong consumer demand with robust franchisee support. With 52 pools open nationwide and more than 250 units in development, Big Blue supports franchise partners at every stage, from real estate selection to marketing and operations, to drive long-term success.