British Swim School Dives into New Location

The Nation’s Premier ‘Learn to Swim’ Provider Open in Lawrence, MA

British Swim School, the nation’s leading “learn to swim” franchise company, is maintaining its impressive growth trajectory throughout North America with the opening of its newest franchise location in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley.

For new owner Rachael Proia, owning a British Swim School is a family affair. “My brother started his British Swim School in early 2022 and when I saw his program, I fell in love with it and realized just how much I miss teaching kids,” says Rachael, a former youth coach. “I bought into a different franchise and am now expanding into British Swim School. I spent 20 years coaching kids in other sports and have not been able to do so since I opened my first franchise.”

British Swim School’s focus on safety was a huge draw for Rachael. “I loved the premise of safety and FUN. To be able to watch people of all abilities progress through a program that is teaching lifesaving skills really appeals to me. And the fact that you can go to work and have fun doing it is even better. I’ve seen how happy my brother has been since opening his British Swim School and it made me want to do it too.”

For more than 40 years, British Swim School has been dedicated to teaching water survival skills by teaching infants, children and adults of all ages the skills needed for water acclimation, water survival, and stroke development. Its mission — ensure that every person, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to become a safe and happy swimmer.

Across the nation, eleven people die every day from unintentional drownings, with nearly 4,000 deaths occurring each year. Research shows that participation in formal swim programs, such as those offered by British Swim School, can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children who are most at risk for deaths caused by drowning. However, the risk of drowning isn’t limited to children: a Red Cross survey found that more than half of all Americans (54%) either can’t swim or don’t have the basic swimming skills needed to save themselves in the event of a water emergency.

Teaching swim safety is important to Rachael. “I started swimming as a young child, so I've never had an issue with the water. When I see the statistics on drowning and to realize that not everyone feels this way, I find it both shocking and sad. I’ve always been big on safety in everything I’ve done and to be able to offer swim safety to the community is an exciting opportunity for me.”

Rachael’s new location will be welcoming swimmers at the YWCA at 38 Lawrence Street in Lawrence, MA.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Rachael to the British Swim School family,” said Ashley Gundlach, British Swim School President. “We know she’ll operate a fantastic pool because of the passion she shows for her community and the respect she has for the water.”

For more information about British Swim School, visit www.britishswimschool.com/merrimack-valley.

To learn more about the benefits of British Swim School’s franchising opportunities, click here.