Big Blue Swim School Continues Momentum with 26 Units Sold and One Store Opened This Year

So far in 2022, Big Blue Swim School — one of the nation’s fastest growing swim school franchises — has already signed agreements for franchise partners to develop 13 stores down the East Coast and another 13 down the West. Those signings include a 13-unit signing for 8 stores in San Diego and five in Seattle; a six-location signing for five stores in Philadelphia and one store in Charleston, S.C.

; a three-unit signing in Baltimore; and two two-unit signings in Philadelphia and south New Jersey that were awarded to two franchise partners who wanted to increase their initial investment and secure more of the market.

Scott Sanders, Big Blue CEO, said he sees these recent signings as a validation of the brand’s ability to develop operations where the consumer demand is greatest.

"We’re thrilled to continue seeing strong momentum with new franchise partners choosing to invest in their communities, teaching children a vital life skill, and understanding the strong business opportunity that Big Blue provides,” he said. “Not only are swim schools a much needed addition to markets across the U.S., but Big Blue offers families an unmatched experience. We look forward to continuing to partner with more owners who want to make a difference in the lives of others.”

In February, Big Blue Swim School also opened one new store in Fairfax, Virginia, owned and operated by L5 Swim, the Big Blue franchising entity of private equity firm Level 5 Capital Partners. Level 5 acquired a stake in the brand in 2017, and has plans to open 43 stores across the U.S. With the Fairfax opening, this brings Big Blue’s total footprint of open stores to 11 across the country.

Looking ahead to the rest of the year, the brand plans to open locations in Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, and northern New Jersey.

Big Blue is also actively growing and looking to add franchise partners in several other key markets across the country, including Kansas City, San Jose, Cleveland, Seattle, Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay.

With an aggressive growth plan in place, Big Blue has signed a total 227 units in 25 states across the country and is uniquely positioned to be the leader in the $3 billion learn-to-swim industry.

Big Blue Swim School offers an unparalleled swim lesson experience made easier and more effective by professional instructors, proprietary technology and curriculum, and family-friendly facilities. Big Blue creates and celebrates Big Moments in the pool which lead to kids learning they can achieve anything in life. Founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong, Big Blue now has more than 11 pools and counting across the U.S.