The Swim Factory has become the first private swim school in Victoria to offer the GOswim Australia program — an innovative swimming and water safety initiative developed by Swimming Australia. The results? A 10% increase in new registrations this quarter and an impressive 97.5% retention rate since introducing the program in October 2024.
This milestone marks a significant step forward for private swim schools looking to enhance their offerings and improve student retention.
Greg and Sue Hodge, owners and operators of The Swim Factory, have been leaders in aquatic education for over 40 years. Their decision to adopt GOswim has been a game-changer for both their business and their students.
“The GOswim program has provided a new, positive stimulus to our swim school family including the staff. The kids are really excited to get their GOswim medals and certificates. Parents also have a clearer picture of the learn to swim pathway and a better understanding of the skills to be achieved which enables us to manage parent expectations more easily,” said Hodge.
Kirk Marks, General Manager of GOswim Australia, explained how private swim schools like The Swim Factory are setting a new standard for independent swimming education.
“I was excited to be contacted by Greg about offering GOswim at The Swim Factory in Cranbourne West. Greg and Sue were keen to partner with GOswim and offer Swimming Australia’s swimming and water safety program that is designed to engage students with a fun, activity-based style of learning.
“A key part of the program is the ability to attract and retain clients and provide them with a structured and fun pathway through the GOswim program to become safer in and around the water. The participants also have the opportunity to one day compete in school carnivals and potentially join a swimming club.
“The 10% rise in enrolments and the 97.5% retention rate show that structured, nationally recognised programs like GOswim can help private swim schools attract and retain more students,” Marks explained.
With private swimming schools often competing against larger facilities, GOswim offers an opportunity to stand out from the competition. The structured framework ensures consistency in teaching, while the incentive-based medal system keeps kids engaged and eager to progress. Many families also find that the more dedicated learn to swim experience is showing great results for their children, teenagers and in many cases, themselves learning as adults.
The success of The Swim Factory with GOswim shows that this program isn’t just about teaching kids to swim, it’s about fostering long-term engagement, building confidence and creating a pathway for young swimmers to grow and become competent and efficient swimmers.
As The Swim Factory continues to thrive with the GOswim program in action, it also paves the way for more private swim schools to embrace this national Swimming Australia program, ensuring every child has access to water safety and swimming education.
For more information, visit the GOswim website or to learn more about The Swim Factory visit the website.
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