Goldfish Swim School Launches Adaptive Swim Lesson Program to Support Children with Additional Needs During National Autism Acceptance Month in April

• Goldfish Swim School, North America's premier swim school, celebrates their Golden Learners program, designed to support children with additional needs to help each child reach their personal goals at their own pace
• Developed by water safety and swim education experts over several years, and refined with the help of in-school training, a pediatrician and pediatric occupational therapist, the Golden Learners program officially launches in tandem with National Autism Acceptance Month this April
• Drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1-4 and second leading cause of injury death for children ages 5-14, with children with autism being 160 times more likely to drown

TROY, Mich., April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its ongoing commitment to provide critical water safety education and swim lessons to children of all skill levels and needs, Goldfish Swim School, North America's premier swim school franchise, is proud to announce the official launch of their expert-developed Golden Learners program at participating locations, in tandem with National Autism Acceptance Month in April.

Developed by water safety and swim education experts over several years, and refined with the help of in-school training, a pediatrician and a pediatric occupational therapist, the Golden Learners program is an innovative initiative designed to support children with cognitive, physical or developmental needs to help them overcome challenges in the water and progress at their own pace.

"Drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1-4 and second leading cause of injury death for children ages 5-14, with children with autism being 160 times more likely to drown," said Jenny McCuiston, Co-Founder of Goldfish Swim School. "With a focus on developing water safety, swimming skills and boosting self-esteem, the Golden Learners program is specially designed for kids who may need a little extra time, patience or support, helping to remove barriers for families who may feel their child requires more individualized attention. Water safety and formal swim instruction is key to helping keep children safer in and around water and Goldfish Swim School is proud of our ongoing mission to create an inclusive environment for all kids and to lend extra peace of mind to families with additional needs."

Goldfish Swim School believes no parent should ever have to wonder if their child is welcome or able to be included. With a dedication to reducing as many obstacles as possible so ALL kids can participate, the Golden Learners program not only provides access to life-saving swim lessons, it is also designed to break down barriers and create an inclusive environment where all kids learn how to interact and socialize, how to safely express themselves, and to feel welcome and empowered to succeed.

To further this mission, all families participating in the Golden Learners program will also receive a complimentary sensory and emotion-focused Mini-Kit from Big Life Journal, along with a 7-day free trial to their online platform GrowthMinded, offering parents and caregivers additional resources to help their child grow, both in and out of the water. 

"We understand that every child learns differently, especially when there are additional needs involved," said Dr. Molly O'Shea, neurodivergence expert and official pediatrician for Goldfish Swim School Franchising. "The Golden Learners program curriculum has been a labor of love for everyone at Goldfish Swim School. We have spent years developing this special initiative incorporating top experts, crucial parent feedback, and more to create an effective program to support ALL little swimmers."

Key features of the Golden Learners program Include:

• Small classes sizes or one-on-one instruction, based on each child's unique needs
• Sensory-friendly teaching techniques and tools to help each child learn at their own pace
• Class settings designed to promote learning, growth and confidence that also provide classroom behaviors beneficial in academic school settings
• Consistent routines to reduce anxiety
• Gentle guidance and positive reinforcement for a supportive experience that builds self-esteem
• Focus on life-saving water safety education and swim skill development

Select Goldfish Swim School locations will also offer special sensory swim celebrations featuring reduced noise, multi-sensory equipment and a calm atmosphere where families can enjoy open swim time, water activities and a safe, supportive space to explore the water together.

To find a Goldfish Swim School in your area visit https://goldfishswimschool.com/locations/.

About Goldfish Swim School:   

Founded in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Troy, Michigan-based Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years. Classes are led by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly environment using a research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay®. Since opening its first franchised location in 2009, the brand has grown to more than 185 schools in over 35 states and Canada, with an additional 160+ in development. Goldfish is ranked No. 74 overall in Entrepreneur's 2024 Franchise 500^® and has been recognized as the No. 1 swimming lessons franchise for eight consecutive years, was named to Franchise Times' Top Brand to Buy in 2024 and is rated as a Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review for 2024. 

Media Contact:
Triple 7 Public Relations
Ashley Sandberg, [email protected]
Shannon Leigh Keenan, [email protected]

SOURCE Goldfish Swim School