Baby Otter Swim School has become the fastest-growing traveling swim school franchise in the country, with over 14 franchises awarded in its first year and many more on the way. By Rose Mango
By partnering with veteran Franchise Developer Robert Katz for explosive franchise growth
Baby Otter Swim School has become the fastest-growing traveling swim school franchise in the country, with over 14 franchises awarded in its first year and many more on the way. The company’s learn-to-swim lessons are age-inclusive and teach anyone water safety, from children at the crawling stage to senior citizens, at a client’s pool or public facility. In particular, the proprietary Turn, Kick, Reach® program consists of private lessons that establish lifesaving skills in five consecutive days.
Over 43 years ago, Baby Otter Swim School was co-founded by Marlene Bloom, who had a fearless, pool-loving 2-year-old daughter. At that time, no water safety classes were available to young, crawling-stage children, and Bloom knew she needed to change that. Determined to make her lifesaving program available to the world, Bloom partnered with Mindy York, who now serves as president of the Baby Otter Swim School franchise. York joined the company shortly after she found her 17-month-old daughter at the bottom of a pool and used CPR to revive her. After enlisting her daughter in Bloom’s swimming program, York’s daughter was completely trained to be in and around water in no time.
“When I hold a child on day one knowing they can’t swim, and then on day five I watch them swim independently and save their own life doing Turn, Kick, Reach, it’s always a natural high, with so much pride and satisfaction. My hands have saved children from drowning,” York said.
Bloom and York – along with longtime friend and baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson – have partnered with Robert Katz, managing director and senior franchise adviser of The Stanwood Group. With the New Jersey-based franchise development and sales company by their side, Bloom and York are committed to combatting the national drowning epidemic through expansive franchise opportunities.
“In my 23 years in franchising, having worked with hundreds of brands throughout the country, I am truly honored to be partnering with fellow otters York, Bloom and Dawson for such an important mission to end childhood drownings throughout the United States,” Katz said.
Baby Otter Swim School’s flexible model allows franchisees to set their own schedule. Also, because no brick-and-mortar location is needed, this is a highly profitable concept with a low overhead. Secure your territory now because they are going fast!
Rose Mango