1851

Founded just over a decade ago, <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-franchise-grows-amidst-covid-19-2714798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Big Blue Swim School</a> has expanded rapidly to become one of the fastest-growing players in the <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-franchise-grows-amidst-covid-19-2714798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">swim school industry</a>. The swim school franchise’s operational model combines well-trained instructors, a proprietary software platform and curriculum, and exceptional family-centric facilities to have successfully created unparalleled brand affinity. In recent months, despite the <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/alphabet-soup-how-will-post-virus-economic-recovery-shape-up/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-franchise-grows-amidst-covid-19-2714798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">economic challenges of COVID-19</a>, Big Blue has leveraged their uniquely effective operational model to continue its impressive growth streak.Big Blue signed seven new franchise partner groups since March, with two happening at the onset of COVID-19, for six units across <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/big-blue-swim-school-signs-deal-in-pittsburgh-for-three-pools-2712844#brand-latest-stories">Pittsburgh</a> and <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/big-blue-swim-school-signs-deal-in-metro-detroit-for-three-pools-2712843#brand-latest-stories">Michigan</a>. In June, the brand opened a new pool in Atlanta. According to founder Chris DeJong, now is an opportune time for new franchise partners to invest in Big Blue.“Despite the pandemic, we continue seeing demand from parents who want to enroll their kids in swim lessons,” said DeJong. “Regardless of what is going on in the global economy, parents understand that this is an essential like-skill that can not be put on the backburner. We have taken all the necessary measures in relation to COVID-19, meeting and oftentimes exceeding the safety protocol recommended by the CDC.”As a business model, swim lessons fill a vital need for safety that cannot be outsourced or automated, making swim instruction less susceptible to downturns in the economy. From day one, the state-of-the-art swim school has used both a <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/the-top-5-reasons-to-buy-a-big-blue-swim-school-franchise-in-2019-2709326">proprietary enterprise system, known as LessonBuddy™</a>, and an advanced curriculum that employs only full-time swim associates, to set children, and the schools, up for success.To promote re-openings following COVID-19 restrictions, the corporate pools in Chicago rolled out “Back to Big Blue” promotions and have worked hard to get children back in the water.“All of our pools were able to reopen by June, all with proper social distancing in place, increased sanitation, mask and face-shields, contactless check-in, and more,” said Big Blue CEO Scott Sanders. “We’ve seen incredibly strong feedback from customers about how safe they feel at our pools and the joy of being able to come back to swim lessons.”The Big Blue team has noted the COVID-19 pandemic may result in an increase in real estate opportunities for prospective franchise owners. As the growing online marketplace makes it increasingly difficult for commercial retailers to bring foot-traffic to their facilities, Big Blue offers a particularly attractive solution, especially in economically tumultuous periods. That value proposition helps Big Blue secure and negotiate premier locations on behalf of franchise owners. Big Blue leverages an experienced team of real estate pros to support franchise partners through site location, construction, and facilities management. <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/five-reasons-investors-should-consider-a-big-blue-swim-school-franchise-in-2020-2711847#stories">The team has a tested, proactive, data-driven real estate strategy designed to place every pool in an optimal location.</a>When it comes to franchise development, Big Blue has also adapted its process to appeal to prospects in the COVID landscape. For example, the brand’s socially-distanced discovery day — called Dive-In Day — helps candidates experience the opportunity while putting minds at ease through heightened safety measures, branded masks and more.&nbsp;“We’ve had great feedback from the socially-distanced Dive-In Day in Atlanta,” said DeJong. “It is a great opportunity to get to know all the candidates interested in becoming franchise partners with us. We look forward to these monthly events and we are seeing tremendous demand on the franchise development side.”&nbsp;The swim school brand currently has six units operating with 122 in development and a goal to have 150 locations committed by the end of 2021. With <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/big-blue-swim-schools-item-19-how-a-gold-medal-investment-translates-to-industry-leading-financials-2710789">strong unit-level economics</a>, an aggressive growth plan, and a data-driven approach to site selection, Big Blue has emerged as one of the <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/the-top-5-reasons-to-buy-a-big-blue-swim-school-franchise-in-2019-2709326">leading players in the fragmented, $3 billion per year swim school industry</a>, and it shows no signs of slowing down.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchise opportunities are available for qualified candidates looking for their next big opportunity, and veterans can receive a 10 percent discount on the $80,000 franchise fee. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a new Big Blue Swim School is $2,329,223 to $3,636,998 (refer to item 7 in FDD) To learn more or inquire about Big Blue Swim School, visit <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-franchise-grows-amidst-covid-19-2714798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/.</a>

Big Blue Swim School Franchise Grows Amidst COVID-19

1851 Franchise

With 65 new units signed in 2020 and set to open in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Michigan, the fast-growing swim school franchise shows no signs of slowing down.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

big-blue-swim-school-franchise-grows-amidst-covid-19

Comfort Keepers

Comfort Keepers - Midyear Press Release 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Comfort Keepers® Hits Mid-Year Stride With Strong Franchise Growth and Rising Demand for In-Home Care

comfort-keepers-franchise-midyear-momentum-2025

petbar

petbar - Garrett Dewan - Why I'm Investing - 1851 Franchise

Why Garrett Dewan Is Choosing To Reinvest in petbar

petbar-franchise-austin-garrett-dewan-multi-unit

Paris Baguette

NJBIZ: Paris Baguette Ramps Up Expansion With New Franchises, Facility and 2030 Growth Target

njbiz-paris-baguette-ramps-up-expansion-with-new-franchises-facility-and-2030-growth-target

Busy Bee Jumpers

Top 10 Reasons To Buy a Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise in 2025

top-10-reasons-to-buy-a-busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-in-2025

Home Halo

home-halo-former-athletes-frachisees-image

Why Former College Athletes Can Make Winning Home Halo Franchise Owners

former-college-athletes-home-halo-franchise

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down - Breaking News - 1851 Franchise

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down Amid Challenges, Leaving Franchisees Facing Uncertainty

wendys-ceo-transition-kirk-tanner-franchisee-uncertainty

"Come in, We're OPEN" sign against abstract background

Small Business Optimism Dips, Raising Concerns for Franchise Owners

small-business-optimism-dips-raising-concerns-for-franchise-owners

Photo of Roof Scientist truck and trailer

Roof Scientist Expands Into Northern Indianapolis as Entrepreneur Dale Speckman Launches New Business in Fishers

roof-scientist-expands-into-northern-indianapolis

Image of Donald Trump pointing with red stripes in the background

August 1 Tariff Deadline Is Said to Have ‘No Extensions’: What This Could Mean for Franchises

august-1-tariff-deadline-franchise-impact

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Unlocking Superpowers: How KidStrong Is Building the Next Generation of Confident Kids — and Thriving Franchise Owners

kidstrong-franchise-confident-kids

Image of a kid growing up, developing with kidstrong, high fiving and smiling. 

How KidStrong has Become the Franchise Disrupting Child Development by Partnering with Purpose-Driven Franchise Owners 

kidstrong-franchise-opportunity-child-development

Picture of kids for franchise business Kidstrong which focuses on child development and fitness

KidStrong Is Pediatrician-Recommended for Raising Confident, Capable Kids and Families Can't Get Enough

kidstrong-child-development-program

Bringing Robots to Main Street: How Elad Inbar’s RobotLAB Franchise Is Powering the Local AI Revolution

bringing-robots-to-main-street-how-elad-inbars-robotlab-franchise-is-powering-the-local-ai-revolution

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

From Corporate Careers to Community Roots: Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery 

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery in Overland Park, Kansas

paris-baguette-franchise-overland-park-khandelwal

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Big Blue Swim School Franchise Grows Amidst COVID-19

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS