Leading Swim School Makes Waves with Float It Forward Fundraiser to Benefit USA Swimming Foundation

TROY, Mich., May 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC, the leading premier learn-to-swim franchise concept, is kicking off National Water Safety Month (May) with the launch of its 'Float It Forward' fundraising campaign. As an official sponsor of the USA Swimming Foundation, the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming, Goldfish Swim School launched the campaign to aid in its commitment to raise $1 million for the USA Swimming Foundation's Make a Splash initiative, which supports swim lesson providers with resources, materials and grant funding to allow for the opportunity for every child across the country to learn to swim.

As drowning remains the number one cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4, taking the lives of three children in the United States every day, Goldfish Swim School is committed to making a positive impact to help lower these staggering statistics. The 'Float It Forward' campaign will run throughout the month of May and will encourage Goldfish Swim School franchise owners to execute several fundraising initiatives in their local communities, such as hosting donation-based family swims, raffles, competitions, donation drives and more.

"We know there is still so much we can do to ensure more children learn the importance of water safety, which is why we partnered with the USA Swimming Foundation in support of its Make a Splash initiative, to provide children across the country the opportunity to learn to swim," said Jenny McCuiston, Co-Founder of Goldfish Swim School.

Added Chris McCuiston, CEO & Co-Founder of Goldfish Swim School: "Every dollar helps a child build their knowledge, skills and confidence while having fun and being safer in and around the water. The USA Swimming Foundation's mission is parallel to ours, and we are honored to provide support."

In 2018, the leading swim school shared news of its partnership with the USA Swimming Foundation at its annual franchise convention alongside three-time Olympic gold medalist and world-record holder Ryan Murphy, who recently became an official Goldfish Swim School Brand Ambassador. To kick-start the fundraising efforts, Goldfish Swim School presented the USA Swimming Foundation with a check for $20,000.

Last year, the USA Swimming Foundation provided more than $700,000 in grants to its Make a Splash Local Partner swim lesson provider network for free and reduced-cost swim lessons for children who might not have had the opportunity to learn how to swim. The 'Float It Forward' campaign aims to ramp up fundraising efforts to support the great work that continues to be achieved by the Foundation. 

"'It takes a Village' is definitely the most apt adage, as we need great champions across industries to help us combat these avoidable tragedies," Executive Director of USA Swimming Foundation Debbie Hesse said. "We cannot thank Goldfish Swim School Franchising enough for stepping up and helping to make a difference. Every dollar raised will create greater awareness about the importance of learning to swim."

Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children ages four months to 12 years, teaching more than 128,000 children how to be safer in and around the water. Each school offers swim lessons and programs using a proprietary philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay®, to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment. The franchise network spans more than 87 locations across North America, and each school's number one focus and main priority is always the same – educating children on water safety while teaching them how to swim and respect the water.

For more information on Goldfish Swim School and to learn how to get involved with the 'Float It Forward' fundraiser in your community, please visit https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/ and  https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/float-it-forward.

About Goldfish Swim School 
Founded by husband and wife team Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children ages four months to 12 years. Classes are offered by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly and fun environment using their research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay®. Goldfish currently teaches more than 128,000 students per week to swim and be safer in and around the water. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Goldfish Swim School was established in Birmingham, Michigan in 2006, and opened its first franchise location in 2009. They are currently in the process of expanding franchise opportunities throughout North America, with 87 schools open, and an additional 100+  in development in more than 26 states and Canada.

Media Contact: Kelly McNamara, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300, [email protected]

SOURCE Goldfish Swim School