In an effort to combat the alarming rise in child drownings across Michigan, Goldfish Swim School of Metro Detroit is taking action by offering free swim lessons to families on World Drowning Prevention Day, Friday, July 25. Families who register for lessons that day will also receive a waived enrollment fee at any of the eight Metro Detroit locations. Goldfish will also donate the enrollment membership fee back to the Children’s Foundation, to support the Injury Prevention Program at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan to further education about water safety.

Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1–4 in the United States, and Goldfish Swim School is determined to change that statistic. Founded by Detroit native Chris McCuiston, Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons to children as young as four months up to 12 years old, along with free water safety presentations to schools, daycares, and community organizations.

“World Drowning Prevention Day is another opportunity for us to remind families the importance of learning basic water safety skills that can save lives,” said McCuiston. “Water safety education is at the core of our company’s mission and we are committed to helping the public learn the fundamentals of how to stay safe in and around water.”

Swim Smart: Water Safety Tips for Families

Whether you’re heading to the pool, a local beach, or just enjoying time in the backyard, Goldfish Swim School encourages families to follow these key safety tips:

  • Choose Coast Guard-Approved life jackets over puddle jumpers or floaties.
  • Secure your home pool with fences, alarms, and multiple safety layers.
  • Review safety rules posted at pools, lakes, and beaches together as a family.
  • Wear bright-colored swimwear that stands out in the water for better visibility.
  • Designate a “Safer Swimmer Guard”—an adult who supervises swimmers without distraction.
  • Take swim lessons to build confidence and skills that can save lives.

With eight convenient locations—Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Canton, Clarkston, Farmington Hills, Macomb, Rochester, and West Bloomfield—Goldfish Swim School is making it easier than ever for local families to prioritize water safety.

Help your child build a foundation for a lifetime of water safety and fun—and take the plunge toward drowning prevention.

Find a Goldfish Swim School locations near you:

Photo credit: Facebook