2009
250
$1,800,000
$80,000
$3,600,000
No
Big Blue Swim School is one of the fastest-growing swim school franchises in the United States, dedicated to teaching children the life-saving and confidence-building skill of swimming. With its innovative teaching methods, advanced technology, and a child-centric learning environment, Big Blue Swim School has carved out a strong reputation in the children’s education and activity franchise industry. Parents across the USA trust Big Blue for its professional instructors, clean facilities, and results-driven swim programs that ensure children progress quickly and safely in the water.
Positioned as a recession-resistant, high-demand franchise, Big Blue Swim School caters to a critical need—helping children and families prioritize water safety while also providing a fun, active lifestyle activity. Backed by a proven business model, strong brand recognition, and exceptional franchisee support, Big Blue offers a rewarding opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities while building a profitable business.
High-Demand Market: Swimming is a life skill, not just a recreational activity. Parents invest heavily in quality swim programs year-round.
Recession-Resistant Business: Safety and education services maintain steady demand regardless of economic conditions.
Proven Business Model: Scalable operations, streamlined systems, and proprietary technology make it easy to manage and grow.
Strong Community Impact: Franchise owners directly contribute to children’s safety, health, and confidence.
Comprehensive Support: From site selection to marketing campaigns, franchisees receive ongoing, hands-on support.
Established Year: Founded in 2009
Founders: Chris DeJong, a former competitive swimmer, who envisioned a better way to teach children how to swim.
Franchise Launch: Began franchising in 2018.
Franchise Units: Over 250+ swim schools awarded across the USA (with new openings each year).
Company History & Journey:
Big Blue Swim School was created with the mission of making swim lessons more effective and enjoyable for children. Using innovative teaching methods and a proprietary technology platform to track progress, the brand has transformed the swim school industry. In 2017, Big Blue partnered with private equity firm L5 Capital to accelerate franchise growth nationwide. Today, it stands as one of the leading swim school franchises in the country.
Industry Category: Children’s Education, Swim School, Sports & Fitness, Recreation
Market Presence: Strong and expanding across major metropolitan areas in the USA with a long-term vision for nationwide coverage.
Big Blue Swim School ensures franchisees are set up for long-term success through world-class support and training:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, facility design, and build-out to meet brand standards.
Operational Training: Comprehensive training programs for franchise owners and managers covering daily operations, staff management, and customer service.
Marketing Support: National and local marketing strategies, digital advertising campaigns, social media promotion, and community outreach programs to maximize student enrollment.
Academic Support: Access to Big Blue’s proven swim curriculum, child engagement strategies, and instructor training to ensure consistency and quality.
Ongoing Support: Regular business coaching, performance monitoring, proprietary software for scheduling & progress tracking, and continuous updates on best practices.
Technology Support: Advanced franchise management tools and CRM platforms designed specifically for swim schools.
The Big Blue Swim School franchise opportunity is designed for motivated entrepreneurs who are passionate about children’s education, health, and safety. The ideal franchisee is:
Business Background: Prior business management or franchise ownership experience is helpful but not mandatory.
Passion-Driven: Should genuinely care about children’s development, family enrichment, and making a positive community impact.
Investment Capability: Must meet the financial requirements to support initial investment and growth.
Leadership Skills: Strong people management and customer service abilities to lead a team of instructors and deliver exceptional experiences.
Location Preference: Best suited for metropolitan and suburban markets with high population density and strong family demographics.
| Financial Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $1,800,000 – $3,600,000 |
| Minimum Investment | $1,800,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $80,000 |
| Infrastructure/Build-Out | $1,200,000 – $2,800,000 |
| Marketing Budget | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Working Capital | $100,000 – $250,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of gross sales |
| Expected ROI | Strong, based on high recurring revenue model |
| Break-Even Time | 24 – 36 months (varies by location) |
| Revenue Streams | Swim lesson enrollments, membership programs, special events, seasonal programs |
