Latest news with #GoldfishSwimSchool
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Swim expert offers safety tips ahead of Memorial Day Weekend
MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) — Memorial Day Weekend is well-known as the kick-off to summer. Many neighborhood pools and waterparks start to open for the season this time of year. However, a fun afternoon at the pool can turn dangerous in a split second. Gold Star families honored on Redstone Arsenal According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, drowning is the number one cause of injury death for children ages one to four in the U.S. Unfortunately, there were several child drowning reports in North Alabama in 2024. 'Drowning, unfortunately, is usually very quiet, and it happens really quickly,' said Kylie Beckwith, the Deck Supervisor at Goldfish Swim School in Madison. She said, unlike in the movies, the person isn't usually flailing their arms and shouting for help. That's why she says it's so important to teach your children about water safety and to teach them water survivor skills. Beckwith said, knowing where to go to get safe is the biggest thing. 'So making sure they're learning to turn to their back to get safe so that they can get air and parents can see or other grown-ups can see them, that they're in distress or calling for help,' Beckwith said. Starstruck: The original Huntsville Mr. Baseball, Don Mincher As a new mom herself, Beckwith recommends getting your child in swim lessons starting as an infant. Goldfish Swim School starts lessons for babies at four months old. 'The importance of starting them young, and I do it for my daughter as well, is just getting exposure to the pool, other kids, how to interact with other children in the water,' Beckwith told News 19. Besides talking to your kids about having boundaries near bodies of water, she recommends putting extra protections in place if you have a backyard pool. 'Please make sure there's a gate around your pool,' she said. 'That it's always closed, locked, whatever you need to do.' Regardless of how strong of a swimmer that your child is, she also recommends having them wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. She said the color of their swimsuit can also help them be seen in a pool, and a potential emergency. 📲 to stay updated on the go. 📧 to have news sent to your inbox. 'As cute as some of the light blues, the neutral colors that are really popular right now, as great as those things are, they blend in really easily with the pool,' Beckwith said. 'So if a parent is scanning or a lifeguard is scanning, it does make it a little bit more difficult to see them.' If you're swimming somewhere without a lifeguard on duty, she reminds parents to pay attention at all times and not get distracted by things like cell phones. 'Just keeping eyes on the pool, making sure you don't walk away without communicating with someone to have eyes on them too,' she said. She said to never assume another parent is watching the pool and that it's good to designate a pool watcher. Goldfish Swim School offers a wide range of classes and swim lessons for different age groups. The YMCA also offers swim lessons. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Death of TikTok star's child prompts reminders on pool safety ahead of summer
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The death of a TikTok star's 3-year-old son in Arizona has many fans of the family mourning, consuming the app's users 'For You' pages — and also prompting a separate conversation regarding water safety. In Chandler, Arizona on Monday, May 12, police said they responded to a drowning call on Ashley Drive. The 3-year-old, identified as Trigg Kiser, had been hospitalized since then, before he was pronounced dead on Sunday afternoon, Chandler Police confirmed to News 8 Monday. Trigg Kiser is the son of TikTok stars Emilie Kiser, with 3.3 million followers, and her husband, Brady Kiser. Emilie posts videos to her social media multiple times a day showcasing her daily life as a mom of two. 'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the child's family and loved ones during this unimaginable time,' the Chandler Police Department said in a statement. As this investigation into Trigg's death continues, Chandler Police said they will not be releasing additional details until the investigation is closed. Here at home, with many families starting to pick the date of when to open their pools for the summer, water safety experts are sharing advice. In New York State, swimming pools 'capable of containing water more than 24 inches deep' are required to have a 'barrier' or 'fence' at least four feet high surrounding the pool, to 'protect against potential drowning.' May is deemed National Water Safety Awareness month, and the Goldfish Swim School in Pittsford says childhood drowning is truly a 'public health epidemic' — with drowning remaining the number one cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4. Goldfish Swim School provides year-round swim lessons to children from 4 months old to 12 years old. With two-thirds of families planning to spend time near the water this summer, reports show only one-third of parents feel confident in their children's swimming abilities — and share these tips for parents: Swap Out Floaties & Puddle Jumpers for U.S. Coastguard-Approved Lifejackets Seek out Bright Colored Swimwear Enroll in high quality, regular swim lessons beginning at age one or earlier Designate a Water Guardian Ensure that there are layers of barriers to prevent kids from accessing pools or other bodies of water during non-swim times Families can book a free trial swim lesson to check out Goldfish Swim School. For more information, click here. Stay with News 8 WROC for more tips from water safety experts and tune into News 8 at 11 for a full report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
May is water safety awareness month
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)– May is Water Safety Awareness Month and whether you're heading to the beach or just taking a dip in the neighborhood pool, it is important to make sure you're being aware and safe in the water. 'Water is an environment that we don't spend a lot of time in every single day of our lives. So, it's very foreign to a lot of people, and we are in such a water rich area that we have a lot of opportunities to interact with it. So, safety has to be paramount,' Director of Aquaventure in Greenville Mike Godwin.' 'Drowning with children is the number one cause of accidental death for children under the age of 5 and we are so passionate here at Goldfish at turning that statistic around,' Regional Manager of Goldfish Swim School in Greenville South Carolina Tiffany Keyser said. For all the training that children and adults do in the water, it is crucial for them to learn how to get out safely. For some, swim lessons can start as early as four months old, the same age that babies can start holding their head up on their own. 'Very important for children to understand that they need to learn how to safely climb out of a pool or a body of water if they were to fall in,' Keyser said. 'They need to practice how to efficiently do back floats so that they can breathe oxygen. That's the number one thing that we always want to teach is how to do a really great back float.' Experts said even if you are a trained swimmer, you need to be aware of what body of water you are swimming in and know your limits. 'We have to understand what our skill limits are. As adults, that's a little bit easier, but for kids, that's on the parents. The parents really have to understand what the limits of their child's swimming ability is,' Godwin said. 'I would say that, if you're taking your child to any kind of swim lesson program, make sure it's an established program that understands what they're doing.' Local swim lessons are available at Aquaventure in Winterville or for young children, you can check out the Goldfish Swim School with multiple locations across the country and one regional location in Greenville, S.C. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
ADDRESSING ALARMING GLOBAL DROWNING STATISTICS, GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL LAUNCHES 5th ANNUAL SAFER SWIMMER PLEDGE AND FURTHERS MISSION TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO WATER SAFETY EDUCATION WITH DONATIONS TO EVERY CHILD A SWIMMER
Annual Campaign Set to Make a Splash Around North America, Beginning May 1 in Honor of National Water Safety Month Goldfish Swim School, North America's premier swim school, announces the 5th year of their annual Safer Swimmer Pledge, celebrating nearly 60,000 pledges to date with a goal to double for 2025 The annual program will launch May 1, in honor of National Water Safety Month, bringing on family-focused water safety partner Great Wolf Lodge and child development partner Big Life Journal 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, making the Safer Swimmer Pledge a critical tool in promoting water safety TROY, Mich., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Goldfish Swim School, the premier swim school franchise in North America, is thrilled to announce its 5th Annual Safer Swimmer Pledge, in honor of National Water Safety Month this May. A commitment to observing five essential rules of water safety, the Safer Swimmer Pledge has garnered nearly 60,000 pledges since its inception in 2021. With drowning remaining the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1-4 and second leading cause of injury death for children ages 5-14, this pledge becomes a critical tool in promoting water safety. "Recent data shows drowning rates are at their highest since 2017," said Dr. Molly O'Shea, official pediatrician for Goldfish Swim School Franchising. "Swimming and water play offer remarkable benefits for children of all ages, but water safety education is critical. Studies show formal swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%. I urge all families to take the Safer Swimmer Pledge as an important tool to learn and recall water safety reminders that are so critical all year long, and especially as we head into the warmer summer months when drowning deaths rise." Making the 5th anniversary of the Safer Swimmer Pledge even more swimsational, Goldfish Swim School is thrilled to partner with Great Wolf Lodge. As leaders in the water safety space, both Goldfish Swim School and Great Wolf Lodge share a commitment to elevating aquatic safety by leveraging innovation and the latest training and development practices throughout their facilities. Both brands partner with Ellis & Associates, the industry-leading aquatic risk management company focused solely on water safety, prioritizing top-tier lifeguard standards, ongoing training, and innovative water policies to protect every guest in and around their facilities. A premiere family destination, like Goldfish Swim School, Great Wolf Lodge is a golden partner for the Safer Swimmer Pledge, joining forces to raise awareness, encourage families to commit to water safety, give back, and for the chance to win finomenal prizes! The exciting prize packages include swim lessons, special Safer Swimmer swag bags, the opportunity to be a Goldfish Golden Ambassador featured in future Safer Swimmer Pledge materials, and subscriptions to GrowthMinded parenting platform from Big Life Journal. With a focus on holistic approaches to child development, the GrowthMinded subscription provides parents and caregivers with the tools to help accentuate the benefits swim lessons can have both in and out of the pool including goal setting, socialization, emotion cognizance and more. Families taking the pledge will also be entered to win the GRAND PRIZE of a two nights stay in a Family Suite (for up to 4) at any of the 22 Great Wolf Lodge resorts in the U.S., one year of complimentary swim lessons, and additional swag and prizes. Additionally, the Goldfish Swim School locations with the most pledges have the chance to win custom merchandise, donations to charity on their behalf, cash prizes for team building events, and more. Continuing its commitment to extend the reach of swimming lessons to underserved children across North America, for every virtual pledge, Goldfish Swim School Franchising will donate $1 to Every Child a Swimmer. Every dollar donated will go back to the pledge-referring school as swim scholarship funding to help bring additional resources directly to local communities. Joining in this important mission, Great Wolf Lodge will also provide a special promo code, giving Safer Swimmer Pledge families special discounts, with room rates including a donation to Every Child A Swimmer. "We are ecstatic to celebrate our 5th anniversary of the Safer Swimmer Pledge and so proud to partner with Great Wolf Lodge to honor National Water Safety Month," said Jenny McCuiston, Co-Founder of Goldfish Swim School. "Water safety education is crucial, and this campaign is an exciting way to get families engaged while offering some amazing prizes, all in support of our ongoing mission to provide parents, caregivers, and children with the knowledge and skills they need." "Water safety is our top priority at Great Wolf Lodge, and we're thrilled to join forces with Goldfish Swim School for the Safer Swimmer Pledge," said Catie Christner, Vice President of Water Parks for Great Wolf Resorts. "Our indoor water park resorts bring joy to hundreds of thousands of families annually, and providing tools, education and awareness so families can enjoy our water slides and pools safely is extremely important, so to highlight our commitment to water safety, we are encouraging members of the Great Wolf pack to take the pledge this May." The Safer Swimmer Pledge comprises a set of commitments designed to instill smart water practices in children and adults alike: "Whether I'm at home, the beach or pool, I will play it cool and follow the rules." "When it comes to swimming, water safety is key, that's why I will always have an adult with me!" "When I'm around water or on a boat, I can wear a life jacket to help me float." "No matter how deep the water may be, I'll always jump in with my feet." "If I see a swimmer in need, I know how to help them indeed! First, I'll throw them something to float, and then I'll go and get an adult." "We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Goldfish Swim School," said Casey McGovern, Executive Director of Every Child a Swimmer. "Their commitment to water safety and drowning prevention aligns perfectly with Every Child a Swimmer's mission. Together, we are making a lasting impact by providing children with the life-saving skill of swimming." More information on water safety is available on the Goldfish Swim School website at *See contest landing page for official rules and restrictions. Press Assets Ryan Murphy Headshot Casey McGovern Headshot Dr. Molly O'Shea Headshot Jenny McCuiston Headshot 2025 Safer Swimmer Pledge About Goldfish Swim SchoolFounded 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 188 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. About Every Child a SwimmerEvery Child A Swimmer is the philanthropic arm of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to life-saving swim lessons, regardless of financial barriers. Led by Executive Director Casey McGovern - a mom on a mission after tragically losing her own daughter to drowning - the initiative is driven by a deep passion for water safety education. Through advocacy, scholarships, and partnerships with swim schools and community organizations, Every Child A Swimmer strives to break down barriers to swim instruction, reduce childhood drownings, and create a future where every child has the skills and confidence to be safer in and around water. About Great Wolf LodgeGreat Wolf Resorts, Inc. owns and operates North America's largest family of indoor water park resorts. Great Wolf Lodge offers a fully integrated resort experience designed specifically for families, with an expansive indoor water park, family-friendly attractions, fun-filled entertainment, delectable eateries and more, all under one roof. The company has locations in: Wisconsin Dells, Wis.; Sandusky, Ohio; Traverse City, Mich.; Kansas City, Kan.; Williamsburg, Va.; Pocono Mountains, Pa.; Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada; Mason, Ohio; Grapevine, Texas; Grand Mound, Wash., Fitchburg, Mass., Charlotte, N.C.; Garden Grove, Calif., Colorado Springs, Colo., Bloomington, Minn., LaGrange, Ga., Gurnee, Ill.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Manteca, Calif. and Perryville, Md. The company celebrated the grand opening of new resorts in Webster, Texas in August 2024 and Naples, Fla. in Sept, 2024, and Mashantucket, Conn. in May 2025. Media Contact:Triple 7 Public RelationsAshley Sandberg, ashley@ Shannon Leigh Keenan, shannonleigh@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Goldfish Swim School
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL FRANCHISE GROUP AWARDED 2024 FRANCHISEE OF THE YEAR BY THE INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION
Tracey McCaghy and Steve Marszalek recognized at annual conference honoring entrepreneurs' outstanding efforts TROY, Mich., Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Franchise Association (IFA) has named Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC multi-unit franchisees the McCaghy/Marszalek Group, led by Tracey McCaghy and Steve Marszalek, its 2024 Franchisee of the Year. McCaghy and Marszalek, who own and operate six Goldfish Swim School locations across Connecticut and Massachusetts, were honored at the 65th IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas for being outstanding franchise owner-operators. The IFA Franchisee of the Year awards are given to the top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries from around the globe. "For the past 10 years, Tracey and Steve have stood out as exceptional Goldfish Swim School franchisees, seamlessly combining strategic expertise, hands-on leadership and an unwavering commitment to our core values," said Chris McCuiston, CEO and co-founder of Goldfish Swim School. "Their dedication to excellence not only earned their Manchester, Connecticut, location the honor of 2024 School of the Year but continues to create a thriving, community-focused environment where children learn to be safer in and around the water. We are honored to celebrate their well-earned recognition as IFA Franchisee of the Year." In addition to its award-winning Manchester location, McCaghy/Marszalek Group's growing portfolio includes two Massachusetts schools in Braintree (2016) and Norwood (2018), and three additional Connecticut locations: Norwalk (2018), Stamford (2020) and Cromwell (2024). Under their hands-on leadership, enrollment at these locations consistently surpasses system averages, with its team teaching water safety and life skills to more than 7,000 children annually. "Franchisees of the Year represent the very best of franchising," said IFA President and CEO Matt Haller. "They embody the American Dream, create economic opportunity, serve their communities and show what it means to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself. We are proud to recognize Tracey McCaghy and Steve Marszalek with the highest honor IFA awards to franchisees, and we salute their tireless efforts to lift up all those they serve." The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees. Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years, teaching 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. Each school's No. 1 focus and main priority is always the same — educating children on water safety while teaching them how to swim and respect the water. Franchise opportunities remain available in California, Tampa, Dallas and other markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information on Goldfish Swim School and its franchising opportunities, please visit or call 248-801-1850. 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-plus in development. Goldfish is ranked No. 75 overall in Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500® and has been recognized as the No. 1 swimming lessons franchise for nine 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 2025. MEDIA CONTACT: Rachel TabacnicRachel@ 817-329-3257 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Goldfish Swim School Sign in to access your portfolio
