Building Confident, Water-Safe Kids at Goldfish Swim School Grandville & Knapp’s Crossing
We are so fortunate to be surrounded by so many gorgeous beaches in west Michigan. That means it’s vital that kids (and adults!) know how to be safe in and around the water – whether it’s a lake or a swimming pool.
Goldfish Swim School has been a leader in swimming lessons for over 20 years – and it all began right here in Michigan (Birmingham). Using their play-based Science of SwimPlay® approach and small 4:1 class sizes in a 90 degree pool, Goldfish Swim School produces confident swimmers who know how to be safe around water.
With such a long, established history, it’s no surprise that Goldfish Swim School is a top voted place for swim lessons in Grand Rapids year after year.
Read on to learn how Goldfish Swim School Grandville and Knapp’s Crossing can teach your kids the skills they need to be safe around the water.
Swimming Lessons Aren’t Just About Learning the Strokes
At Goldfish Swim School, kids don’t just learn how to swim. They also learn water safety. Sadly, drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 – 4. “Drowning isn’t like it shows on TV,” cautions Kristina Young of Goldfish Swim School. “It’s silent and every second counts.”
Students at Goldfish Swim School learn how to help save themselves from drowning. They learn how to flip over onto their backs and float until they can be rescued. If they fall into a pool, kids also learn to turn to find the nearest wall and swim to safety.
Swimsuit Color Matters
When choosing swimsuits for your kids, keep in mind that color is important. Blue, green and black suits are often hard to spot when underwater. Instead, choose bright colors like yellow, hot pink, purple and orange.
“If your kid is going underwater to find the diving rings they tossed under there, you want to be able to keep track of them,” explains Young. Brightly colored swimsuits make that easier.
More Water Safety for Kids Tips
- Make sure you’re only using life jackets, puddle jumpers and other floatation devices that are U.S. Coast Guard approved
- Pay attention to signs, pool hours, wave flags and beach hazards
- Ensure pool fences are closed
- Always swim with supervision
- Throw, don’t go into the pool for a rescue
- Have an adult Water Watcher who carefully monitors all the swimmers (no phones!). Rotate every 30 minutes.
Helping Kids Grow Into Strong, Safe Swimmers
With so many ways things can go wrong in the water, what should you do? The best way to keep your kids safe in the water is to enroll them in swimming lessons – and do it early.
Goldfish Swim School Grandville (4950 Wilson Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49418) and Knapp’s Crossing (2224 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525) offer year-round swim lessons – including swimming lessons for babies as young as four months. These caregiver & baby classes are designed to make babies feel comfortable in the water which leads to more confidence in the future.
BONUS! Babies under six months old can take FREE lessons at Goldfish Swim School Grandville.
Drowning in MI: What You Need to Know
- The state of Michigan ranks #5 in the country for drownings among children ages 1-4.
- More children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death
- 70% of toddler drownings happen when the child isn’t expected to be in the water (non-swim time)
- 50% of children drown within 25 yards of a parent or other adult
- 88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present
- Taking formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%
Find the Swimming Lessons That Are Right For You
When choosing where to enroll in swimming lessons, it’s important to decide what your goals are and find a place that meets your needs.
“We create a safe, fun and convenient place for families to build confidence and see real results in the water,” says Young.
Flexible scheduling at Goldfish Swim School Grandville and Knapp’s Crossing makes it easy for families to find a routine that works best for them.
Swimmers can attend lessons once or twice a week, make use of convenient make-up tokens when plans change, or accelerate progress with a Summer Jump Start Clinic — four consecutive days of lessons designed to deliver a month’s worth of progress in just one week.
Swimming Lesson Options at Goldfish Swim School
Goldfish Swim School Grandville and Knapp’s Crossing want to make learning to swim as easy as possible – on your schedule and your wallet.
Clinics and Packages
During school breaks, kids can take one-week jump clinics. They attend four consecutive days for 30 minutes and become stronger swimmers by the end of the clinic.
While they recommend taking year round swimming lessons, Goldfish Swim School knows that’s not always possible. That’s why they also offer packages for a set amount of time.
There’s not a discount on the lessons themselves, but these packages do offer several bonuses which make them a great option for families. Bonuses include free lessons and a waived membership fee along with a towel and goggles.
Savings Alert! Save $50 on your first month of lessons with promo code GRKIDS when you enroll at Goldfish Swim School Grandville or Knapp’s Crossing!
The F.L.O.A.T. Method by Goldfish Swim School
In addition to their Science of SwimPlay® swim lessons, Goldish Swim School also offers lessons using The F.L.O.A.T. Method by Goldfish Swim School™.
This safety-focused survival swim program is for infants and toddlers ages 12 months through four years. They learn skills such as how to self-recover and float on their back after an accidental fall into water.
The F.L.O.A.T. Method is one-on-one, separate from group classes, and designed for rapid progress with short 10-minute lessons, multiple times a week.
While important for everyone, these classes are especially great for pool owners.
Goldfish Swim School FAQs
At what age can my child start at Goldfish Swim School?
Goldfish Swim School has classes for babies as young as four months old up through age 12.
How often do families typically attend swim lessons?
While most families swim once a week, Goldfish also offers special package deals with great rates and free goodies included, providing flexible scheduling to fit any family’s needs.
What should my child bring to swim class?
Your child will need a swimsuit, towel, and reusable swim diaper if applicable. Goggles are optional, but can make swimming more comfortable.
Forgot something? No worries! All of these things are available for purchase in their on-site Treasure Chest store.
What water safety skills should children learn first?
The first water safety skills children should learn are floating on their back, treading water, and safely exiting the pool.
Know Before You Go
Locations & Hours
Goldfish Swim School – Grandville
4950 Wilson Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49418 across from Costco
616-349-7100
| Mon, Tues, Thurs | 9 AM – 8 PM |
| Wed | 9 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Fri | 4 – 8 PM |
| Sat | 9 AM – 1 PM |
| Sun | 8 AM – 3 PM |
Goldfish Swim School – Knapp’s Crossing
2224 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 by Celebration Cinema North
616-600-4010
| Mon | 10 AM – 4 PM |
| Tues | 12 PM – 8 PM |
| Wed & Thurs | 9 AM – 8 PM |
| Fri | 1 – 7 PM |
| Sat | 9 AM – 1 PM |
| Sun | 9 AM – 2 PM |
Facility Features
- 90 degree pool
- Small class sizes
- Highly trained instructors
- Research-backed curriculum designed for all skill levels
- Flexible scheduling with free make-up lessons
- Family changing rooms with showers, lockers and hair dryers
Offerings
In addition to swimming lessons, both locations also offer family swim sessions and birthday parties.
Prepare for Every Splash, Swim, and Summer Adventure
From pool parties to beach vacations, water is a big part of childhood in West Michigan. Make sure your child is ready for it.
Goldfish Swim School Grandville and Knapp’s Crossing give kids the skills they need to become safer, stronger swimmers—so your family can enjoy everything West Michigan’s waters have to offer with greater confidence.
