Children staying at the Ronald Mc Donald house take a swimming lesson donated by Goldfish Swim School owners Patrick and Amy Turner.

Stapleton residents Patrick and Amy Turner, parents of two children ages 7 and 3, have introduced the Goldfish Swim School business model, and its mascot Bubbles, to NE Denver. Amy says comprehensive lessons teach children how to swim with an emphasis on the importance of water safety skills.

Patrick Turner introduces the Goldfish Swim School Mascot, Bubbles, to a young swimmer. Bubbles is used as an interactive tool to teach water skills.

Using a competency-based curriculum built on recognition, praise and positive reinforcement, the swim school offers classes that allow children to advance at their own pace. Instead of defined sessions, the monthly swim school membership is similar to a gym membership. “There is no set time limit for kids to learn new skills,” says Patrick Turner. “Kids progress at a pace that is comfortable for them.”

Amy Turner provides swimming and water safety instruction.

Swimming lessons are offered for children ages 4 months to 12 years. Parent/child lessons are available for the youngest swimmers; independent lessons for children begin at age 2. Little swimmers are given “homework” that can be practiced in the bathtub at home. Older kids can practice their skills at family swim sessions offered throughout the week.

Designed with a vibrant, tropical decor, the school has a comfortable parent observation area with free Wi-Fi and a play area for siblings. Pool water is maintained at 90 degrees to ensure “shiver-free” swimming. Staffed by experienced, trained and certified swim instructors, class sizes are small to provide individual attention to each student. Parents receive student progress reports and children earn colorful ribbons to mark skill advancement or the accomplishment of a water safety skill.

With a blow-dry station and swim suit dryers, gone are the days when kids freeze in the car on the way home and moldy smelling suits are discovered in a forgotten swim bag.

Items like goggles, suits and reusable swim diapers (required at the pool) can be purchased at the on-site Treasure Island Pro Shop. Hungry swimmers can purchase healthy, $1 snacks at the center’s Snack Shack. Birthday party packages are available by reservation.

Drying hair at the swim school’s blow dry bar is part of the fun.

The Turners and Goldfish Swim School are committed to community involvement, providing free water safety presentations to community groups and schools. Scout troops can participate in an activity at the school to earn an achievement badge. Children with special needs are welcome to join classes or take private lessons. “We do everything we can to accommodate special needs in a group class or a one-on-one setting. Staff and instructors work closely with parents to determine what will best suit a child’s ability so they have fun while learning water skills and safety,” Amy explains.

To schedule a tour or register for swimming lessons, visit https://stapleton.goldfishswimschool.com/ or call 303.757.SWIM.