The swimming education program will enter seven new states.
By Andrew Carlo
Water Wings Swim School announced that it has awarded 11 franchise agreements.
According to the year-round swim school, the agreements are expected to result in 20 new schools.
The school launched a national franchise program this past May after it was acquired by Unleashed Brands in January. The brand is now looking to accelerate its reach and bring life-saving swim instruction to more communities nationwide.
The Unleashed Brands is focused on youth enrichment with programs that allow children to learn, play, and grow. The company’s portfolio also includes Urban Air Adventure, Sylvan Learning, The Little Gym, Premier Martial Arts, Snaplology, Class 101, and XP League.
The latest swim schools are planned for Midland and Houston, Texas; Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico; Sunnyvale, Corona and Rancho Cucamonga, California; East Brunswick and Sommerville, New Jersey; Boulder and Northglenn, Colorado; North Charleston, South Carolina; Middletown, Delaware; Long Island City, New York, Spring Hill, Tennessee; and Billings, Minnesota.
This also marks the fist time Water Wings Swim School will enter into New Mexico, New Jersey, Colorado, New York, South Carolina, Delaware, Tennessee and Minnesota. Water Wings currently operates 13 corporate-owned locations across Nevada, California, Idaho and Texas. Altogether, the school is entering seven new states for the first time.
The largest agreement is a four-unit plan led by Thomas Garcia and his nephews, Brian and Austin Garcia, who currently operate a multi-unit, multi-brand portfolio of Urban Air, The Little Gym, Snapology and XP League in Albuquerque.
Arun Singh, who is a Kids R Kids and Icebox Therapy franchisee, in Houston has also signed on for four locations.
“The early success of our franchise program is a powerful validation of both the Water Wings model and the demand for what we do,” said Avi Shafshak, brand president of Water Wings Swim School. “Families everywhere need access to quality swim instruction, and franchisees are recognizing the opportunity to make a real impact while building a strong business. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to continue expanding with partners who share our mission and vision.”
According to a recent Unleashed Brands Parent Sentiment Survey (April 2025), 34% of parents plan to invest in swim lessons for their child in the coming year, with interest highest among parents of children ages 2–5 (46%). With drowning remaining the leading cause of accidental death among young children, the need for quality swim instruction is both urgent and impactful.
Water Wings offers comprehensive training and flexible ownership, including remote management, the company said. Diverse revenue streams include swim camps, clinics, baby pool time, and recreational swim teams create year-round business opportunities. The total initial investment range to open a Water Wings Swim School ranges between $994,400 to $1.43 million.
The brand said it is now actively seeking franchisees in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.
According to Unleashed Brands, it now has more than 1,300 open and operating franchise locations.
For more information about franchise opportunities with Water Wings Swim School, visit https://www.waterwingsfranchising.com/.
