Nine-time Olympic medalist and world champion swimmer Ryan Murphy, his parents Pat and Katy Murphy, and grandfather Mike Sullivan have opened Goldfish Swim School — St. Johns, located at 2420 County Road 210 W.
Founded by parents for parents with The Science of SwimPlay, Goldfish Swim School focuses on teaching through guided play, a practice backed by science for its efficacy in learning to swim. The new swim school offers a 90-degree heated indoor swimming pool, air-conditioned viewing facility, state-of-the-art water purification, private space for parties and events, private changing rooms, hair and swimsuit drying stations, and more.
“I have led and observed countless swim lessons throughout my career, and the curriculum and culture that Goldfish Swim School offers is second to none,” Ryan Murphy said. “My family is proud to own this new school to spread the importance of safe swimming and water safety in our hometown.”
As the first franchise location in Northeast Florida, Goldfish Swim School welcomes children as young as four months old, up to 12 years old. There are five class categories, divided by age and intensity: Mini, Junior, Glider, Pro and Swim Force. Most group classes have a ratio of four students per instructor.
For mini classes, a parent, grandparent or guardian is in the water with the little swimmer, whereas Swim Force is the most advanced pre-swim team level. All classes are staffed by highly trained and trustworthy personnel. For additional safety measures, all lessons are also overseen by a lifeguard and a deck supervisor.
“Swim lessons are more important than ever, especially in Florida where we are surrounded by water,” said Katy Murphy. “We are honored to introduce a lifesaving skill to children across Northeast Florida through an interactive, safe environment that makes our students excited to come to swim lessons.”
Ryan Murphy has been a longtime advocate for water safety, working to increase access to swim lessons with the USA Swimming Foundation and as an ambassador for Speedo since 2017.
Unfortunately, drowning deaths are on the rise in the United States and drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1-4. However, research shows that you can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for 1- to 4-year-olds who take formal swim lessons.
