New Agreements Span Seven New States, Underscoring Demand for Early Swim Instruction and Power of Unleashed Brands Platform
DALLAS, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Water Wings Swim School, a premier year-round swim school and part of the world's leading youth enrichment platform Unleashed Brands, has awarded 11 franchise agreements that will bring a total of 20 new swim schools to new markets across the country. The rapid growth since launching the brand's national franchise program in May underscores both the urgent demand for early swim instruction and the strength of the Unleashed Brands platform to enable franchisees to diversify across complementary youth-focused concepts.
Water Wings currently operates 13 corporate-owned locations across Nevada, California, Idaho and Texas. Since its acquisition by Unleashed Brands in January and national franchise launch in May, the brand is accelerating its reach and bringing life-saving swim instruction to more communities nationwide.
Water Wings Growth Highlights:
- 11 franchise agreements awarded since May 2025, including several multi-unit deals with existing Unleashed Brands franchisees, which will introduce a total of 20 new locations across nine states.
- Existing Unleashed Brands franchisees fueling growth: The new agreements reflect reinvestment into the Unleashed Brands portfolio from franchise owners of Urban Air, The Little Gym and more.
- New market entry: Swim schools are planned for Midland and Houston, TX; Albuquerque and Santa Fe, NM; Sunnyvale, Corona and Rancho Cucamonga, CA; East Brunswick and Sommerville, NJ; Boulder and Northglenn, CO; North Charleston, SC; Middletown, DE; Long Island City, NY, Spring Hill, TN and Billings, MN.
- Expansion into seven new states: New Mexico, New Jersey, Colorado, New York, South Carolina, Delaware, Tennessee and Minnesota will see debuts of the brand.
- The largest deals include 4-unit agreements led by Thomas Garcia and his nephews, Brian and Austin Garcia, who currently operate a multi-unit, multi-brand portfolio of Urban Air, The Little Gym, Snapology and XP League in Albuquerque, NM, and a 4-unit agreement with Arun Singh, who is a Kids R Kids and Icebox Therapy franchisee, in Houston, TX. The Garcias will bring four Water Wings schools to Albuquerque and Santa Fe, while Singh will expand the brand's footprint across the Houston market.
- New consumer website launched in October 2025, reinforcing ongoing investments in the brand and water safety education.
"The early success of our franchise program is a powerful validation of both the Water Wings model and the demand for what we do," said Avi Shafshak, Brand President of Water Wings Swim School. "Families everywhere need access to quality swim instruction, and franchisees are recognizing the opportunity to make a real impact while building a strong business. This is just the beginning, and we're excited to continue expanding with partners who share our mission and vision."
The demand for swim instruction continues to grow among U.S. families. According to a recent Unleashed Brands Parent Sentiment Survey (April 2025), 34% of parents plan to invest in swim lessons for their child in the coming year, with interest highest among parents of children ages 2–5 (46%). With drowning remaining the leading cause of accidental death among young children, the need for quality swim instruction is both urgent and impactful.
Water Wings offers a lower buildout cost than many swim school franchises, making it a more accessible opportunity for entrepreneurs. With a proven model, comprehensive training and flexible ownership, including remote management, franchisees are set up for success from day one. Diverse revenue streams such as swim camps, clinics, baby pool time and recreational swim teams create year-round business opportunities. The total initial investment range to open a Water Wings Swim School is $994,400 - $1,424,550.
Water Wings is actively seeking franchisees with passion for community impact, leadership and business growth. Key expansion markets include Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.
Unleashed Brands encompasses more than 1,300 open and operating franchise locations of category-leading brands Urban Air Adventure Park, The Little Gym,Sylvan Learning, Snapology, XP League, Class 101, Premier Martial Arts and Water Wings Swim School.