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Goldfish Swim School to open in Ann Arbor this August

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

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Ann Arbor

If your early swimming lessons were held in a dingy natatorium, a newer company has figured out how to warm the mini-set to what's often a fearsome affair. Goldfish Swim School, which first opened in Birmingham, Michigan in 2006 (it also has a franchise in Farmington Hills and others planned for Rochester and Macomb), will be adding a new location in Ann Arbor this August. CEO Chris McCuiston cites Ann Arbor's family friendliness and walkability as reason for opening there.

Goldfish offers year-round lessons for babies, toddlers, and kids in bright Caribbean environs topped by thatch and tiki. "It's very welcoming and warm to kids so that when they walk in they don't feel like it's a sterile environment like typical pool enclosure areas," explains McCuiston, who co-founded the company with his wife Jenny, an avid swimmer and two-time Olympic trials qualifier. The pools are heated to 90 degrees and the air temp is a steamy 92, versus a standard gym pool that might be 83 degrees, he says.

The co-franchisers, Richard Simtob and Jack Barbat, have just leased the 10,000-square-foot property, a former bike shop, at 2107 W. Stadium Boulevard and are starting construction of a 75-foot-long, 28-foot-wide pool in the next month. The interior will have the same island tropic theme and new windows will be added.

Besides daily lessons, the school will host birthday parties and open swim for families. And in case you left your tyke's suit hanging to dry on the clothesline, a retail shop for swimsuits, goggles, and other gear will be on site.

Chris Thompson, a 2000 Olympic bronze medalist in the 1,500 meter swim, will be the general manager. Thompson is a former swimmer at Club Wolverine in Ann Arbor.

And a new business brings, of course, new job posts. The school will be hiring a bevy of swim instructors who will be cross-trained in front desk duties. "We're looking to hire up to 40 people," Simtob says.

Sources: Chris McCuiston, CEO of Goldfish Swim School; Richard Simtob, co-franchiser, Goldfish Swim School (Ann Arbor)
Writer: Tanya Muzumdar

* Interested parents can pre-register by emailing swimannarbor@goldfishswimschool.com. Job applicants may also inquire there.