Watersafe Swim School
Watersafe Swim School is a privately held, two-location California swim school teaching the proprietary Smart Fish Method to infants through adults via subscription lessons, charter school and Regional Center partnerships, and ancillary programs and retail.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1977
- HeadquartersLos Alamitos, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Watersafe Swim School does
Watersafe Swim School is a privately held, two-location swim instruction business headquartered in Los Alamitos, California, with a secondary facility in Long Beach. Founded by Ginny Ferguson (with the Smart Fish curriculum originating in 1971), the school delivers year-round swimming instruction using its proprietary Smart Fish Method, which is taught from infancy through adult competitive levels and is certified through the nationally recognized Smart Fish Academy. The company serves four primary customer segments: infants and toddlers (including a free introductory swim experience for infants 16 weeks and under), school-age children (group and private lessons through pre-competitive training), adults (four-level group instruction and Aqua Sculpt fitness classes), and individuals with developmental disabilities served through Regional Center funding partnerships.
The product portfolio spans recurring monthly subscription lessons ($125–$195/month across Parent-Tot, Group, Private, Pre-Competitive, and Adult programs), one-time seasonal offerings (Jr. Guard Prep at $280/session, Achievement Swim Meets, Underwater Photos at $129/session), and a pro shop retail line (wetsuits, goggles, fins, swim diapers, apparel, gift cards). Distribution is multi-channel: direct website and iOS/Android mobile app enrollment, phone/text, walk-in, charter school purchase orders through 10+ California charter school partnerships, and Regional Center-funded registration. Operating systems include Jackrabbit Class for scheduling/registration, Square for gift card processing, and standard web analytics and security tooling. There is no disclosed AI/ML capability, no external funding, and no parent company; the business is founder-led with management including Nathan (Chief Executive), Meryl (Chief Operations), and Liz (Aquatics Director).
The business model is fundamentally a service-delivery operation monetizing indoor heated pool capacity through subscription tuition, with ancillary retail and event revenue. The company differentiates on its 52-year-old proprietary curriculum, certified instructor base, drowning-prevention outcomes positioning (citing an 88% drowning-risk reduction statistic), and community trust signals including a 46+ year USSSA membership and 2023 Orange County Best Places to Work recognition.
Watersafe Swim School firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Watersafe Swim School
- Legal name
- Watersafe Swim School
- Website
- https://watersafe.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1977
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Watersafe Swim School is a privately held, two-location California swim school teaching the proprietary Smart Fish Method to infants through adults via subscription lessons, charter school and Regional Center partnerships, and ancillary programs and retail.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Watersafe Swim School industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Swim Instruction Services
- NAICS
- Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Aquatics Programs (Pools, Swim Lessons, Lifeguarding) (EDALAIAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Lifeguard, Water Rescue & Aquatic Safety Training (EDAOAMAJ), Aquatic Centers & Swimming Facilities (MPAKAEAF)
Keywords
Where Watersafe Swim School is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Los Alamitos
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Watersafe Swim School business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Monthly Swim Lesson Tuition: Recurring monthly subscription-based billing for swim lessons across multiple program types (private, group, pre-competitive, adult). Tuition is auto-processed on the 1st of each month. Month-to-month enrollment with no contract.
- Pro Shop Retail Sales: Sale of swim gear including wetsuits, fins, goggles, swim caps, swim diapers, dive equipment, apparel, and gift cards through the on-site pro shop.
- Fast Track Intensive Program: One-month intensive private lesson program for accelerated results, priced by inquiry.
- Jr. Guard Prep Classes: Seasonal pre-competitive program fee ($280) for lifeguard preparation training.
- Underwater Photo Sessions: Special event photography sessions at $129 per session.
- Charter School Purchase Orders: Revenue from charter school families who pay via school-issued purchase orders rather than direct payment.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Free infant swimming experience for babies 16 weeks and under |
| Subscription | Monthly | Parent-Tot Workshop for babies with parent participation |
| Subscription | Monthly | Group lessons for Smart Fish Method Grade Levels 4-7 |
| Subscription | Monthly | Private 1-to-1 swim lessons for all ages |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Intensive one-month private lesson program |
| Subscription | Monthly | Swordfish Pre-Competitive Swim Squad Level 1-2 |
| Subscription | Monthly | Swordfish Pre-Competitive Swim Squad Level 3-5 |
| Subscription | Monthly | Introduction to Pre-Competition for Grade 8 students |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Adult group swim lessons across 4 skill levels |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Water-based fitness class combining cardio, strength, flexibility |
| Freemium | Monthly | Complimentary daily lessons for enrolled students |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Jr. Lifeguard Prep Classes for aspiring guards |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Achievement Swim Meets for all ages and skills |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Underwater portrait photography sessions |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Registration fee for new and returning families |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Watersafe Swim School product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Watersafe Swim School delivers year-round swimming instruction for infants through adults using its proprietary Smart Fish Method. Core offerings include private lessons, group lessons, free infant swim experiences, parent-tot workshops, pre-competitive swim squad training, adult lessons, and aqua sculpt fitness classes, delivered at two indoor pool facilities in Long Beach and Los Alamitos, California.
Product overview
Watersafe Swim School operates as a multi-location swim school offering a comprehensive suite of swimming instruction programs centered around the proprietary Smart Fish Method. The core instructional offerings include Private Lessons, Group Lessons, Free Infant Swim Experience, Parent-Tot Workshop, Pre-Competitive Swim Squad (Swordfish), Fast Track intensive programs, Adult Swim Lessons, and Aqua Sculpt fitness classes. The company also operates a Pro Shop selling swim equipment including Warm Belly Wetsuits, Swim Caps, Goggles, Fins, Swim Diapers, Apparel, and Swim Aides. Additional revenue streams include Underwater Photos, Achievement Swim Meets, Pre-Competitive Swim Meets, and Jr. Guard Prep Classes. The business accepts Regional Center and Charter School funding and maintains a parent portal through Jackrabbit Class for scheduling and billing.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Private Lessons One-on-one 15-minute swimming instruction teaching water safety and the Smart Fish roll and float method, available for all ages and skill levels.
- Group Lessons 30-minute group swimming lessons for Smart Fish Method Grade Levels 4-7, with 2 to 6 enrolled students per class.
- Free Infant Swim Experience Free introductory 15-minute swim sessions for infants 16 weeks and under, teaching basic water safety and comfort.
- Parent-Tot Workshop 30-minute classes in a 91-degree indoor pool that train parents to be the instructor for their baby using the Smart Fish Method, for children under 3 years old.
- Swordfish Pre-Competitive Swim Squad Advanced pre-competitive swim training across 5 levels covering freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, designed to prepare young swimmers for competitive swim teams.
- Fast Track Intensive one-month private lesson program requiring 3-4 sessions per week for students age 7 months and beyond, achieving results with up to 50% fewer lessons than weekly programs.
- Adult Swim Lessons Group swim lessons for adults across four skill levels, from beginner water comfort through advanced stroke technique and endurance training.
- Aqua Sculpt Water-based fitness class combining cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises in a low-impact setting at the Los Alamitos location.
- Introduction to Pre-Comp Group class for Smart Fish Method Grade 8 students focusing on advanced stroke technique and preparation for the Pre-Competitive Swim Squad.
- Jr. Guard Prep Class Seasonal preparation program for aspiring Jr. Lifeguards focusing on timed swim training, endurance, speed, and freestyle technique, for students age 9 and older.
- Underwater Photos Professional underwater portrait photography sessions for children with a minimum 3-second breath-hold capability.
- Achievement Swim Meets Swim meet events for all ages and skill levels with in-water assistance, held at the Watersafe Aquatic Center in Los Alamitos.
- Pre-Competitive Swim Meets Bi-monthly swim meets from April through October for pre-competitive swimmers, providing competitive swim meet experience in a fun environment.
Quantifiable outcome
- 88% reduction in drowning risk for children that attend swim lessons
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Watersafe Swim School
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Watersafe Swim School technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
Feature2 records
Watersafe Swim School partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Regional CenterscoreNonprofit organizations providing services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Regional Centers fund swim lessons for eligible families who then register through Watersafe's online portal. Supports families with approved funding to access swim instruction.
- Blue Ridge AcademycoreCharter school partner allowing families to pay for swim lessons via charter school purchase orders.
- Cabrillo Point AcademycoreCharter school partner allowing families to pay for swim lessons via charter school purchase orders.
- EPIC Charter SchoolcoreCharter school partner allowing families to pay for swim lessons via charter school purchase orders.
- Excel AcademycoreCharter school partner allowing families to pay for swim lessons via charter school purchase orders.
- Granite MountaincoreCharter school partner allowing families to pay for swim lessons via charter school purchase orders.
- iLeadcoreCharter school partner allowing families to pay for swim lessons via charter school purchase orders.
- Pacific Coast AcademycoreCharter school partner allowing families to pay for swim lessons via charter school purchase orders.
- Sage OakcoreCharter school partner allowing families to pay for swim lessons via charter school purchase orders.
- Sky MountaincoreCharter school partner allowing families to pay for swim lessons via charter school purchase orders.
- Suncoast PrepcoreCharter school partner allowing families to pay for swim lessons via charter school purchase orders.
- Smart Fish AcademycoreNationally recognized certification program for swim instructors. Watersafe is the creator and home of the Smart Fish Method, with teachers certified through this academy. Watersafe-certified teachers are located worldwide.
- Hope Floats FoundationcoreFoundation providing 3-month scholarships for swimming lessons for children who qualify for free/reduced lunch. Watersafe participates as an approved vendor, directing families to apply through hopefloats.foundation.
- Jackrabbit ClasscoreThird-party reservation and parent portal system used for class scheduling, registrations, payments, and customer accounts.
- The Youth CenterminorCharitable beneficiary of Watersafe's community giving program in 2023.
- Temple IsraelminorCharitable beneficiary of Watersafe's community giving program in 2023.
- Camp FireminorCharitable beneficiary of Watersafe's community giving program in 2023.
- GriffinsminorCharitable beneficiary of Watersafe's community giving program in 2023.
- Women Of GraceminorCharitable beneficiary of Watersafe's community giving program in 2023.
- SJSminorCharitable beneficiary of Watersafe's community giving program in 2023.
- LA SheriffminorCharitable beneficiary of Watersafe's community giving program in 2023.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Watersafe Swim School competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- British Swim School: Franchise swim school with 200+ locations in the U.S. offering gentle, survival-first instruction for infants through adults. Closely comparable to Watersafe in small-class format, gentle methodology, and infant-to-adult age range.
- Emler Swim School: Family-owned and operated multi-location Texas swim school with proprietary curriculum, year-round lessons, and instructor certification programs. Comparable to Watersafe as a founder-led operator with proprietary IP and instructor training infrastructure.
- Big Blue Swim School: Multi-location swim school with a defined curriculum and progression system serving children and adults. Comparable to Watersafe in tiered lesson structure, indoor heated pool operations, and family-oriented marketing.
- SafeSplash Swim School: National swim school franchise focusing on water safety and survival skills for children, with curriculum-based lesson progression. Direct competitor in core infant and child survival-skills positioning that mirrors Watersafe's Smart Fish Method.
- Goldfish Swim School: Franchise-based swim school operator with 150+ locations across North America offering private and group lessons for children 4 months to 12 years. Comparable to Watersafe in core curriculum-driven lesson model and target demographic of young children and families.
- Sunsational Swim School: U.S. swim school operator offering at-home and facility-based private and group lessons for infants through adults. Comparable to Watersafe in private-lesson-led model, flexible scheduling, and direct-to-consumer family enrollment.
- Aqua-Tots Swim Schools: Multi-location swim school franchise with a proprietary curriculum and year-round lessons for infants through adults. Operates a similar tiered lesson ladder (private, group, parent-tot, advanced) at higher facility counts, providing a direct comparison for Watersafe's curriculum-driven model.
Regional players
- SwimJim: New York and New Jersey-based multi-location swim school with proprietary curriculum, year-round lessons, and instructor training. Comparable to Watersafe as a regional, curriculum-driven operator with similar lesson ladder and instructor certification focus.
- La Petite Baleen Swim Schools: Bay Area, California-based swim school operator with multiple locations offering private and group lessons for infants through adults. Comparable to Watersafe in California-focused geography, age range, and lesson format.
Broad incumbents
- SwimLabs (Streamline Brands): National network of indoor swim schools and aquatics facilities offering group, private, and competitive training for all ages. Comparable to Watersafe as a larger, multi-state operator with broader curriculum and competitive programming.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Watersafe Swim School social profiles
Digital presenceWatersafe Swim School financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Watersafe Swim School leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Watersafe Swim School funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Watersafe Swim School M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Watersafe Swim School
What does Watersafe Swim School do?
Watersafe Swim School delivers year-round swimming instruction for infants through adults using its proprietary Smart Fish Method. Core offerings include private lessons, group lessons, free infant swim experiences, parent-tot workshops, pre-competitive swim squad training, adult lessons, and aqua sculpt fitness classes, delivered at two indoor pool facilities in Long Beach and Los Alamitos, California.
Is Watersafe Swim School a public or private company?
Watersafe Swim School is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Watersafe Swim School founded?
Watersafe Swim School was founded in 1977. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Watersafe Swim School based?
Watersafe Swim School is headquartered in Los Alamitos, United States, in the North America region.
How does Watersafe Swim School make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Monthly Swim Lesson Tuition is the primary driver. The others are pro Shop Retail Sales, fast Track Intensive Program, jr. Guard Prep Classes, underwater Photo Sessions and charter School Purchase Orders.
Who are Watersafe Swim School's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are British Swim School, Emler Swim School, Big Blue Swim School, SafeSplash Swim School, Goldfish Swim School, Sunsational Swim School and Aqua-Tots Swim Schools. Regional players are SwimJim and La Petite Baleen Swim Schools. SwimLabs (Streamline Brands) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Watersafe Swim School have an API?
No public API is recorded for Watersafe Swim School.
What industry is Watersafe Swim School in?
Watersafe Swim School's product category is Swim Instruction Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDALAIAF, Aquatics Programs (Pools, Swim Lessons, Lifeguarding), with a secondary code of EDAOAMAJ, Lifeguard, Water Rescue & Aquatic Safety Training. Its NAICS code is 61162.