TAKING A DIP: This young swimmer is developing her aquatic skills under the careful guidance of an experienced instructor at the Goldfish Swim School – Princeton. “The water in the pool is salt-generated into chlorine, and this is gentler on the skin. Nex-Gen chlorine generators produce liquid chlorine from salt,” says BillieJo Goudy, general manager and safety coordinator.

By Jean Stratton

It’s never too soon to get into the water!

That is the underlying principle of Goldfish Swim School — Princeton, which teaches children from 4 months to 12 years old to swim.

The sooner children get into the water, the better. This helps them to overcome any fear they may have, points out BillieJo Goudy, general manager and safety coordinator of Goldfish Swim School – Princeton, located at 311 Nassau Park Boulevard, Unit 5.

“The goal is to get them comfortable in the water and not be afraid,” she explains. “This is so important. According to the CDC, drowning is the No. 1 cause of accidental death for children under 5 years old, and it is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in children ages 5 to 14. Formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of kids’ drowning by up to 88 percent.”

Founded by Jenny and Chris McCuiston more than 20 years ago, Goldfish Swim School is headquartered in Birmingham, Mich. A franchise operation, it now has more than 160 locations in 34 states and Canada.

POOL TIME: “At Goldfish Swim School – Princeton, we are ready to teach your child how to swim, float, and tread water successfully,” says BillieJo Goudy, general manager and safety coordinator. The 25-foot by 75-foot pool, pictured here, offers a shiver-free 90 degree water temperature with a depth of three to four-and-a-half feet.

Water Safety

The organization’s mission is “to build awareness surrounding water safety, demonstrate Goldfish’s unique proprietary Science of SwimPlay curriculum, and speak out about drowning prevention.”

The Nassau Park Boulevard state-of-the-art facility opened in March 2024, and is attracting children of all ages, reports Goudy. “The youngest are 4 months old, and our typical students are 2 years old to 6. Twenty percent of our children are under the age of 2. A parent or guardian will be in the water with the very youngest children, so they feel very safe.

“Initially, we teach them to roll over on their back and float. They learn proper breathing techniques, and by the age of 2, they are swimming, and by ages 4 to 5 they know the different strokes, including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.”

Classes are 30 minutes once a week, with one instructor for four students.

Instructors are typically high school or college students, and thoroughly qualified, emphasizes Goudy. “They all receive 40 hours of instruction, training in the International Lifeguard Training Program, are Lifeguard, CPR, AED certified, and hold Supplemental Oxygen Administration Certification. They also all receive regular ongoing training.

“In addition, our instructors really like children, and are very patient and supportive. The children become very attached to the instructors, and we try to keep the student with the same instructor if we can.”

“Bubbles the Goldfish”

Goldfish Swim School – Princeton also provides outreach programs, she adds. “We offer free water safety programs where we go to pre-schools and talk about water safety, life jackets, swimming with an adult, and we bring our special mascot Bubbles the Goldfish!”

While many children are learning to swim at very young ages today, others learn later in their life. Even some of the 10 to 12 year-olds who come to Goldfish are beginners; others at that age are coming to improve their existing skills and technique.

The organization has created a special “play-based” step-by-step swim lesson curriculum, ensuring that it meets the developmental needs of children at every experience level. Each lesson is crafted with safety as the top priority, emphasizing a nurturing environment where children can thrive and focus on learning while having fun.

As the mission statement emphasizes, “Our top priority is to instill discipline, trust, athleticism, and focus through dynamic swimming lessons. Our instructors know how to build confidence and self-esteem. Our smaller class size allows us to optimize progress, boost confidence, and increase safety.”

A fun atmosphere is clearly evident in the colorful and spacious facility. A camaraderie among the staff increases the overall friendly and welcoming ambiance.

“We have awards for the kids with different color ribbons, when they move on to a new level. This adds to the fun and the confidence building,” says Goudy.

Kid-Friendly

The setting includes showers, private changing rooms, swimsuit dryers, and kid-friendly hair-drying stations. Merchandise, including swimsuits, sweatshirts, and more, is also available.

In keeping with its focus on safety and high quality instruction, Goldfish Swim School has partnered with world champion swimmer, world record-holder, and Olympic Gold Medalist Ryan Murphy, and world champion swimmer, world-record holder, and Olympic Gold Medalist Cullen Jones to advance the important message of water safety and drowning prevention.

In addition, Goldfish Swim School partners with Ellis & Associates to provide a comprehensive suite of safety and operational solutions to the swim school, instructors, and lifeguards.

The organization has also partnered with the National Drowning Preventive Alliance to help further those connections and help them to have the greatest impact.

Goldfish Swim School – Princeton has a flexible payment program. It is not necessary to commit to a membership program. With the perpetual weekly lesson program, clients may come one week at a time for as long as they wish.

Lifelong Skill

BillieJo Goudy is very proud of the company’s success in the 11 months it has been open in Princeton. “We have students from all over the Princeton area, as well as Trenton, Hamilton, and Robbinsville. We have as many as 1,000 clients each week.”

She has been with the Princeton location since it opened, and with the Goldfish Swim School organization for nine years.

“I started in the Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania, location as a swim instructor, and fell in love with it. Then I became assistant manager and safety coordinator for three years. I love watching the children progress each week, transforming from timid first-time swimmers into confident individuals who enjoy being safe in and around the water. Swimming is so important because it is a lifelong skill. It provides great exercise and is so enjoyable.

“We also have a great staff here. We are really like a family, and we have great communication. We have created an inviting and safe place where kids can overcome their fears, learn to swim, respect the water, and have lots of fun while doing it. Come join us. Discover Goldfish Swim School and give your kids the confidence to dive in!”

Classes are available Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For further information, call (609) 228-9119. Visit the website at goldfishswimschool.com.