Swimming is a life-saving skill, but as swim schools grow into large-scale businesses, concerns are rising about whether these institutions prioritise financial gain over effective teaching. The increasing demand for swimming lessons has led to a system where high enrolment numbers take precedence over individual progress, safety, and teaching quality. Large swim schools often operate on a “one size fits all” approach, focusing on maximising capacity rather than ensuring that each child receives the best possible instruction. This raises serious questions: Are children truly learning in these environments, or are parents simply paying into a system that values retention rates over real swimming ability?
Large class sizes: A barrier to learning
One of the biggest issues with large swim schools is the sheer number of children crammed into each class. Some schools advertise small group sessions, yet in reality, these groups can range from 8 to 12 children per instructor—or even more in some cases. While this might be financially beneficial for the business, it significantly reduces the quality of teaching each child receives.
Swimming is not a skill that can be effectively taught with generic instructions given to a large group. Every child has a different level of confidence, ability, and water awareness. In a packed class, an instructor simply cannot cater to each swimmer’s needs. The result? Some children fall behind, while others who progress faster are held back due to the limitations of the group setting.
Moreover, in such large classes, nervous or struggling children often go unnoticed. A child who is reluctant to put their face in the water, for example, might be left to “catch up in their own time” rather than being given the individual support they need to overcome their fear. The lack of tailored teaching creates a frustrating experience for both parents and children, yet they continue to pay for lessons that do not always deliver real progress.
Safety concerns: Who is really watching?
A major concern with large swim schools is whether safety is truly the priority. With so many children in the pool, how can one instructor keep an eye on everyone at all times? The harsh reality is that they can’t. There have been instances where children have gone underwater unnoticed for several seconds before being pulled up. This is not necessarily the fault of the teacher—it’s simply impossible to track every single movement in a large, dynamic group.
When an incident occurs, the blame is often shifted onto the lifeguards or the instructors themselves. But should the focus not be on the flawed system that allows such situations to happen in the first place? Many big swim schools are reactive rather than proactive when it comes to safety. Instead of preventing incidents through better class structures, they deal with accidents after they happen. This approach is a major concern, as swimming lessons should prioritise keeping children safe at all times, not just responding when something goes wrong.
Are swimming teachers experienced enough?
Another pressing issue is the quality and experience of the instructors. Many large swim schools rely on fast-track training programs to get teachers qualified quickly, often placing them in charge of classes before they have had substantial experience working with young children. While they may have the required certifications on paper, do they truly have the skills to handle large groups, spot struggling swimmers, and adjust lessons accordingly?
Teaching swimming is far more than just demonstrating strokes. A great instructor needs to have a deep understanding of child development, be able to recognise early signs of struggle or fear, and have the ability to adapt their teaching methods to suit different personalities and learning styles. When class sizes are too large and instructors lack experience, these crucial elements of good teaching are often lost.
Additionally, large swim schools often have a high staff turnover, meaning there is little continuity for children. Having a new instructor every few weeks or months disrupts a child's learning and can make them feel unsettled. Consistency is vital in swimming lessons, particularly for younger or nervous swimmers, yet in many big swim schools, this is simply not a priority.
Are parents wasting their money?
Swimming lessons are a significant financial investment for families, and parents naturally expect to see progress in return. However, when lessons are overcrowded, lack individual focus, and prioritise retention over real learning, how much value are families truly getting?
Many parents find themselves paying for lessons year after year, only to see minimal improvement in their child’s abilities. In some cases, children who have been attending lessons for several years still struggle with basic swimming techniques. This leads to frustration, as parents start questioning whether they are simply funding a system that keeps their child enrolled rather than actively helping them become a competent swimmer.
Furthermore, the “one size fits all” approach used in large swim schools means that children who learn at a different pace—whether faster or slower—are often overlooked. A child who excels may find themselves stuck repeating the same drills over and over, while a child who struggles may never receive the extra support they need. In both cases, families are paying for lessons that do not truly serve their child’s needs.
Retention over progression: The harsh reality
At the heart of the issue is the fact that many large swim schools operate as businesses first and educational institutions second. Retention rates are a key metric for these schools, meaning the goal is to keep children enrolled for as long as possible rather than ensuring they reach a level where they can move on confidently.
While smaller, independent swim schools often focus on progression—ensuring that children advance based on skill rather than time spent in lessons—larger establishments often follow rigid programs that do not account for individual ability. Some children remain in the same stage for years, with only small incremental changes to keep parents feeling like progress is being made.
If swim schools were genuinely invested in children’s learning, they would prioritise smaller class sizes, experienced teachers, and flexible teaching methods that adapt to each child's needs. Instead, the focus remains on keeping numbers high, ensuring that classes are full, and maintaining a business model that maximises revenue rather than results.
Conclusion
The evidence is clear: Many large swim schools prioritise quantity over quality. With oversized classes, safety risks, inexperienced teachers, and a rigid approach to learning, it’s easy to see how financial gain has become the primary focus. While swimming is an essential skill, parents must ask themselves whether they are paying for real learning or simply investing in a system that keeps their child enrolled without true progression.
Ultimately, the goal of any swim school should be to teach children how to swim confidently and safely. If a business model prioritises retention and profits over personalised teaching and safety, then the real question is: Who is truly benefiting—the children, or the swim school’s bottom line?
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