The Story of Aqua-Tots
How We've Become a Global Swim School Franchise
It all started in a community pool in Tempe, Arizona, back in 1991. A teenage lifeguard taught a single swim lesson, and from that moment, a dream was born. At a time when quality childhood swim instruction was a rarity, Ron and Jane Sciarro envisioned a different kind of swim experience. They created a mobile swim school that traveled the greater Phoenix area, utilizing borrowed backyard pools and rented hotel facilities.
Their mission? To offer parents a place where their water safety goals for their children were more than just a wish list—they were a commitment.
A Vision That Made a Splash
The Sciarros' innovative approach to swim instruction quickly gained popularity. Parents found in Aqua-Tots a program that truly listened to their concerns and aspirations for their children's safety and skills in the water. This unique philosophy, coupled with high-quality instruction, allowed Aqua-Tots Swim School to take off and flourish.
Growing to Meet the Need
By 2005, the concept of a year-round swim program had captured the hearts and minds of parents everywhere. Recognizing the growing demand, Paul and Heather Preston joined forces with the Sciarros to open the first indoor Aqua-Tots in Mesa, Arizona. This marked a significant milestone in our journey, providing a dedicated environment where children could learn and practice their swimming skills throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.
Expanding Our Reach
The success of our first indoor facility paved the way for rapid expansion. In 2007, we opened our first franchise location in Peoria, Arizona, allowing us to bring the Aqua-Tots experience to even more communities. Our growth continued, and in 2011, we launched our first international location in Kuwait City, Kuwait.
Today, Aqua-Tots proudly serves more than 170 communities across 14 countries, touching the lives of over 2.5 million kids through more than 46 million swim lessons!
Our Commitment: Consistent Since Day One
Despite our growth, our core commitment remains the same as it was in 1991. We're committed to teaching children of all ages and abilities the essential skills they need to become safe and confident swimmers for life. More importantly, we're dedicated to creating a legacy of safety for families all over the world.
More than Swim Lessons
At Aqua-Tots, we believe our work goes far beyond teaching kids how to swim. Our mission is to instill confidence, promote safety, and nurture a love for the water that can last a lifetime. We do more than teach swim lessons; we empower children with a vital life skill that can open doors to countless water activities and adventures.
From our humble beginnings in Arizona to our current global presence, one thing has remained constant: we create confident swimmers and water-safe families. After all, at Aqua-Tots, it's about propelling life, one swim lesson at a time.
Request more information about our swim school franchise today!
How Aqua-Tots
Stands Out
Join the Largest International Swim School Franchise and Create Waves of Change.
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Training & SupportIn-house Training Team and a digital library of resources propel your success.Learn More -
Be Part of a FamilyLove working with kids? Passionate about water safety? Turn it into a career.Ideal Candidate -
Make a DifferenceJoin a growing industry that saves lives and creates confident swimmers.About the Industry
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