The Swim Factory becomes Victoria’s first private GOswim Australia venue

The Swim Factory in Cranbourne West has become the first private swim school in Victoria to offer the GOswim program - a next-generation swimming and water safety program launched in 2019 by Belgravia Leisure in partnership with Swimming Australia.

Since introducing the GOswim program in October 2024, The Swim Factory has seen a 10% increase in new registrations this quarter and an impressive 97.5% retention rate.

This milestone marks a significant step forward for private swim schools looking to enhance their offerings and improve student retention.

Greg and Sue Hodge, owners and operators of The Swim Factory, have been leaders in aquatic education for over 40 years. Their decision to adopt GOswim has been a game-changer for both their business and their students.

Hodge noted “The GOswim program has provided a new, positive stimulus to our swim school family including the staff. The kids are really excited to get their GOswim medals and certificates. Parents also have a clearer picture of the learn to swim pathway and a better understanding of the skills to be achieved which enables us to manage parent expectations more easily.”

Kirk Marks, General Manager of GOswim Australia, explained how private swim schools like The Swim Factory are setting a new standard for independent swimming education sharing “I was excited to be contacted by Greg about offering GOswim at The Swim Factory in Cranbourne West. Greg and Sue were keen to partner with GOswim and offer Swimming Australia’s swimming and water safety program that is designed to engage students with a fun, activity-based style of learning.

“A key part of the program is the ability to attract and retain clients and provide them with a structured and fun pathway through the GOswim program to become safer in and around the water. The participants also have the opportunity to one day compete in school carnivals and potentially join a swimming club.

“The 10% rise in enrolments and the 97.5% retention rate show that structured, nationally recognised programs like GOswim can help private swim schools attract and retain more students.”

With private swimming schools often competing against larger facilities, GOswim offers an opportunity to stand out from the competition. The structured framework ensures consistency in teaching, while the incentive-based medal system keeps children engaged and eager to progress. Many families also find that the more dedicated learn to swim experience is showing great results for their children, teenagers and in many cases, themselves learning as adults.

The success of The Swim Factory with GOswim shows that this program isn’t just about teaching children to swim, it’s about fostering long-term engagement, building confidence and creating a pathway for young swimmers to grow and become competent and efficient swimmers.

As The Swim Factory continues to thrive with the GOswim program in action, it also paves the way for more private swim schools to embrace this national next-generation swimming and water safety program, ensuring every child has access to water safety and swimming education.

For more information, visit the GOswim website or to learn more about The Swim Factory