The Nation’s Premier ‘Learn to Swim’ Provider Adds Two New Locations

British Swim School Aims to Decrease Second Highest Drowning Numbers in the Country

British Swim School, the nation's leading "learn to swim" franchise company, continues its nationwide expansion by opening its newest locations inside 24 Hour Fitness in Sunnyvale and Redwood City, California.

California has the second-highest accidental drowning rate in the country. A recent report shows 339 people have drowned in California pools since 2018, and nearly half of those drownings involved children.

Owner and operator of British Swim Schools in Sunnyvale and Redwood City, Shawna Gibson, is hopeful her program will help drastically decrease those disturbing numbers.

"I have two teenage boys who are fantastic swimmers because they participated in a swimming program at a young age," said Gibson. “I am excited to have the opportunity to bring British Swim School to this area because it gives parents the opportunity to have the peace of mind I have.”

Gibson worked in finance for large corporations like Williams-Sonoma Inc. and Gap Inc. before spending the last eight years owning and operating a senior home care franchise. Feeling the desire for change, she is switching her focus to British Swim School.

"Helping children felt like the right fit," said Gibson. “Being around kids brings me so much joy. I love their energy and it feels good to know that I'm teaching young swimmers the skills they need to survive in water."

A study conducted by America's National Institute of Health shows that children who participate in formal swim programs, much like those offered by British Swim School, can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children ages 1-4, who are the most at risk for death caused by drowning.

British Swim School of Sunnyvale and Redwood City is set to open its doors to swimmers in October. They will join the growing team of franchise locations that span more than 250 British Swim School locations across the United States and Canada.

"Shawna Gibson is a huge asset to the British Swim School family. Her franchise experience, coupled with her compassionate nature, is a winning combination for us and the young swimmers in her community," said Ashley Gundlach, British Swim School President. "I am confident her pools will help combat California's tragic accidental drowning numbers.”

For more information about British Swim School, visit britishswimschool.com/palo-alto/.