More than 150 swimming lesson franchise locations are in development.
By Andrew Carlo
Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC announced that its headed to Northern California for the first time.
The swimming lessons franchise will open a location in the Sacramento market in the spring of 2027. This location will be locally owned and operated by franchise group Blue Wawa Inc., led by husband-and-wife duo Vish and Dee Desai. The Desais have also owned and operated The Goddard School in Roseville, California, since 2023.
“When we first heard about Goldfish Swim School, we knew we’d found something special. Our experience in early childhood education, plus being the parents of three children under the age of 6 ourselves, showed us how powerful Goldfish’s play-based philosophy is for child development,” said Dee Desai. “We look forward to opening the first Goldfish in the Sacramento community to provide families with a swim school that has provided vital swim and safety skills to children across the country, with more than 11 million lessons taught annually.”
Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children between the ages of 4 months to 12 years. The franchise has more than 200 locations nationally.
There are currently three additional Goldfish Swim School locations open and operating in California, including Aliso Viejo, Santa Ana, and Ladera Ranch. The franchise said there are more than 150 additional Goldfish Swim School locations currently in development.
Last month, Goldfish announced a new franchise agreement that calls for the development of seven new swim schools in Los Angeles over the next several years. The first is scheduled to open in late 2026.
Each location features a state-of-the-art, shiver-free 90-degree pool, a viewing area for parents and a tropical-themed facility designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both kids and parents alike.
“We’re confident Vish and Dee’s experience in early childhood education, their passion for water safety and their local knowledge will make them ideal school owners,” said Chris McCuiston, CEO and co-founder of Goldfish Swim School. “Their dedication to creating meaningful community impact, combined with their understanding of how children learn through play, will lead the way as they educate families to be safer in and around the water throughout the Sacramento area.”
Information about franchise opportunities with Goldfish Swim School can be found at goldfishswimschool.com/franchise-opportunities.
