Ryan Murphy had a remarkable performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he claimed three more medals. Upon receiving a Bronze medal for the 100M backstroke, if you looked off into the stands, you could see Ryan’s wife holding a sign that said, “Ryan, It’s A Girl!”. An emotional embrace quickly followed this; not only did he win an Olympic medal, but he found out he was going to be the dad of a baby girl. At this point, the internet started buzzing about the gender-reveal surprise.
Now, 9-time Olympic medalist Ryan Murphy is making waves closer to home. Along with his family, Murphy has officially opened a new Goldfish Swim School location in Saint Johns, Florida, bringing his passion for swimming and water safety to the local community.
A Variety of Classes for Every Age and Skill Level
Goldfish Swim School, founded by parents for parents, specializes in teaching children aged 4 months to 12 years how to swim and stay safe in the water. They do this through its innovative, play-based curriculum known as The Science of SwimPlay®. The new school boasts a 90-degree heated indoor pool, air-conditioned viewing areas for parents, and state-of-the-art water purification systems. In addition, they have a variety of amenities, including private party spaces, changing rooms, and swimsuit drying stations. The facility aims to provide an exceptional swim experience in a comfortable, family-friendly environment.
“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,” said Murphy. “My family is proud to own this new school to spread the importance of safe swimming and water safety in our hometown. I can’t wait for my own little girl to start her swim lesson experience at Goldfish!”
The school offers five distinct class levels: Mini, Junior, Glider, Pro, and Swim Force. Classes are designed with small group sizes to ensure personalized attention, with most having a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio. The Mini Class even allows parents, grandparents, or guardians to join their little ones in the water, enhancing both learning and bonding. All lessons are supervised by a lifeguard and deck supervisor to ensure maximum safety.
Ryan Murphy’s Commitment to Water Safety
As a vocal advocate for water safety, Murphy has long been involved in raising awareness and partnering with organizations like USA Swimming Foundation and Speedo to increase access to swim lessons nationwide. With the opening of Goldfish Swim School – Saint Johns, the Olympic champion is not only making a difference globally but also bringing life-saving skills directly to his local community.
“Swim lessons are more important than ever, especially in Florida where we are surrounded by water,” said Katy Murphy, Ryan’s mother. “We are honored to introduce a life-saving skill to children across Northeast Florida through an interactive, safe environment that makes our students excited to come to swim lessons.”
Image Courtesy of Goldfish Swim School
Image Courtesy of Goldfish Swim School
Water safety is an urgent issue in Florida, where drowning rates are among the highest in the nation. Recent reports from the CDC show a worrying rise in drowning incidents, making this new swim school a critical resource for families in the area. The CDC June 18th, 2024 report stated:
- Drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1–4.
- Drowning increased by 28% among children ages 1–4 in 2022 compared to 2019.
- Over half (55%) of U.S. adults have never taken a swimming lesson.
Formal swim lessons, like those offered at Goldfish, have been proven to reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%, according to data presented by USA Swimming.
What’s Next for Parents: Enroll Your Child in Swim Lessons Today
Now that Goldfish Swim School – Saint Johns is officially open, as well as 170 other locations, parents have an invaluable opportunity to get their children started on the path to safe swimming. Whether your child is just a few months old or already school-aged, there’s a class level designed to meet their needs and skill level.
Parents who are interested should reach out to Goldfish Swim School, whether it be in Florida or another state, to schedule a visit, learn about class availability, and meet the instructors. The facility’s welcoming environment and dedicated team offer a space for children to gain confidence in the water. Don’t wait—give your child the gift of water safety and a lifetime of confidence in the pool.
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