The nation’s fastest-growing swim school has already signed agreements for more than 225 locations in 25 states, targeting further expansion across the U.S.

Big Blue Swim School, one of the fastest-growing franchises in the $3 billion swim school industry, has a goal to open 400 total locations, which would address one-third of the 48 million children 12 and under in the U.S. 

Now it’s looking to expand into other key markets across the U.S.

“Big Blue offers something that every community is missing,” said Dennis Campbell, Big Blue’s vice president of franchise development. “There is a lack of a formal swim lesson model, and the demand far outweighs the supply, which makes for a great opportunity for our franchise partners.”

Big Blue offers swim lessons from children aged three months to 12 years old. Market density is the primary factor in determining which markets Big Blue targets for expansion. The brand’s ideal market has a large concentration of families in need of Big Blue’s services.

But as Scott Sanders, chief executive officer of Big Blue Swim School, explains, with drowning still being the No. 1 cause of death for kids ages one to four, it’s about much more than just a business opportunity and maximizing ROI. It’s about providing access to water safety instruction to as many kids as possible.

“In the learn-to-swim market, there’s just not enough water for formal swim lessons in the U.S. right now,” Sanders said. “Many existing pools have long waitlists, so we’ve got to get more pools in the ground in all markets. Many of our primary markets are sold out, but there are still a few with territory available. And we still have a wide range of units available in most smaller secondary markets.”

Some of the key markets Big Blue is currently targeting for expansion include:

Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City is the 31st-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. with 13% of its population 9 and younger. Big Blue has opportunities available in Lee’s Summit, Olathe, and Tiffany Springs.

Portland, Oregon

Portland is the 25th-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. with a 12% population of kids 9 and younger. Big Blue has opportunities available in Clackamas, Gresham, Hazel Dell, Tanasbourne, and Vancouver, as well as in nearby Kaizer.

Denver, Colorado

Denver is the 19th-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. also with a 12% population of kids 9 and younger. Big Blue already has five locations sold in the Denver area, with opportunities still available in Arvada, Lakewood, Littleton, and Stapleton, as well as locations in nearby Fort Collins and Colorado Springs.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle is the 15th-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. and 12% of its population is 9 years old and younger. Big Blue currently has five locations sold in the Seattle market, with opportunities for eight other locations still available in Ballard, Lynnwood, Northeast Seattle and Shoreline, as well as the outlying areas of Federal Way, Kent, Puyallup, and Renton–Benson.

Dallas, Texas

Dallas is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. behind New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, and nearly 15% of its population is 9 and younger. Big Blue currently has six locations sold in the Dallas area, with opportunities still available in Grand Prairie, Hurst, Lewisville, Mansfield, Southlake, Watauga, and Wylie.

Big Blue also continues to expand in California. With the San Diego market already sold out, the brand still has nearly 40 territories available across San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. There are also opportunities available in other cities around the U.S., including San Antonio, Virginia Beach, Richmond, Oklahoma City, and across Ohio, among several other markets.

Multi-unit franchise opportunities are available for qualified candidates looking for their next big opportunity, and veterans can receive a 10 percent discount on the $80,000 franchise fee. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a new Big Blue is $2,475,200 to $3,966,700 (refer to item 7 in FDD). To learn more or inquire about Big Blue, visithttps://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/.