Running a successful swim school in today’s competitive market involves a lot of different factors. As we mentioned in our first and second articles, maintaining attractive, user-friendly and clean facilities is critical to attracting and retaining students. Offering quick, easy online enrollment, registration and billing options is another key element. But none of those secondary elements matter as much as the actual quality of instruction your school has to offer.
In this final article in our series, we’ll take an in-depth look at the importance of hiring reliable staff members and offering a wide selection of beneficial classes.
Choose Top-Notch Staff Members
Figuring out who to hire to work at your swim school is one of the most vital decisions you have to make. First and foremost, make sure that all your teachers and lifeguards have the proper qualifications and training to help ensure the safety and well-being of your students. Everyone who works at your facility from staff to management to instructors should be completely on board with your goal of providing caring, professional customer service. Make sure each team member understands their roles and responsibilities and that they carefully follow your policies and procedures. Do all that you can to foster a positive environment both for your employees and your students.
Provide a Variety of Different Classes and Activities
Teaching children how to swim is vitally important, but in today’s competitive market, it shouldn’t be the only skill your school is known for teaching. You should look for ways to reach out and offer something for people in every age group from tiny tots up to senior citizens. Listed below are some ideas for creative classes and activities you could consider adding to your swim school’s schedule.
Synchronized Swimming and Aquatic Dance Classes
Some people get a thrill out of learning to perform graceful or lively choreography in the water. This is an excellent option for people whose joint problems won’t allow them to participate in regular dance classes.
Water Aerobics Classes
These underwater exercise classes are great for people of all different ability levels who want to get in shape. The water offers an ideal amount of resistance for an effective, low-impact workout.
Walking/Jogging Classes
Similar to the water aerobics option, this type of class opens a door to better health for people who can’t handle lap swimming. They’re able to walk or jog their way back and forth across the pool.
Classes for Those who Speak Different Languages
If you can find a swim instructor who speaks fluently in another language besides English, you could add a class in that language to your schedule. People in your area who speak that language will likely jump at the chance to take a class that’s offered in their native tongue. If you live in an area where many people speak different languages, it would also be a good idea to include multilingual signage and literature, as well as feature several language options on your website. Offering swim classes in American Sign Language would be great for schools near populations of deaf people.
Include Fun Features
Who says that swim schools have to be strictly focused on instruction? You can choose to add some water slides, splash pads, or other water park-like features to your swimming area. This will open up doors for your school to be used for other activities in addition to formal swimming instruction.
Rather than remain satisfied with the status quo of a mediocre swim school and stagnant enrollment, consider incorporating the features in this article series into your school. Be prepared for a possible dramatic increase in enrollment as well as added enthusiasm and engagement of current students and their families. With these improvements, you’ll be ready to start making major waves among the competitors in your area!
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JackrabbitClass
Jackrabbit Class software provides swim schools with smart online solutions for billing, sign ups, registration & business management. Jackrabbit’s leading online class management software delivers an unparalleled combination of speed, reliability and smart customer-focused solutions. Learn more at www.JackrabbitClass.com or call them at (704) 895-4034.
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