When it comes to running a swim school, it can be hard to keep your head above water. Just like any other business, there are unique Olympic-sized challenges that can sometimes feel insurmountable. For a swim school to be unsinkable, you have to not only anticipate these issues but also have an idea of how to head them off.
Keep reading to discover the five most common problems facing upstart swim schools today. Fortunately, the right solutions may be just beneath the surface and well within your reach.
Lack of adequate pool space
Swim schools require adequate pool space to operate effectively. However, finding and maintaining a suitable pool can be a challenge. Many swim schools have to rent their space, and sometimes it can be challenging to secure a long-term lease. Additionally, pools can be expensive to maintain, and some schools may struggle to keep up with the costs of regular maintenance.
Solution: Swim schools can work with local government organizations or community centers to secure long-term pool leases. They can also partner with other swim schools to share pool resources, reducing the cost of maintenance and ensuring adequate space.
Ineffective marketing
Swim schools need a constant stream of new students to grow their businesses, and effective marketing is crucial to staying afloat. But many swim schools can get caught up in the daily rigor and struggle to find the time to market effectively. They may not have the resources or expertise needed to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy.
Solution: Swim schools can establish their brand in the same platform they use for managing their attendance, finances, and scheduling. Captyn can be exactly that platform. With our service you can offer coupons, apply credits, pro-rate classes, and establish a brand identity through your signature colors and logo. By offering and applying discounts responsibly, you can generate effective word-of-mouth from customers that know your value. You can also advertise any promotion on social media to further promote yourself to potential customers.
Staffing issues
Swim schools require a significant number of staff members to operate effectively, including coaches, instructors, and lifeguards. Finding and retaining qualified staff can be a challenge, especially during the busy swim season. Additionally, staff members may leave unexpectedly, leading to staffing shortages.
Solution: Swim schools can improve staff retention by offering competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for professional development. They can also create a positive work environment that fosters teamwork and open communication. In case of unexpected staff departures, swim schools can try to create a pool of trained substitutes to fill the gaps. As your staff expands, you can also manage your roster of coaches on Captyn, easily assigning staff to your programs for customers to choose. Keep procedures as user-friendly as possible for students and parents, and odds are your business will only expand even further.
Safety concerns
Swim schools must prioritize safety at all times. These procedures are far and above the most important aspect to nail down before any student dips a toe in your pool, let alone dives. However, even if you’re careful, accidents can still occur, and swim schools may face legal liabilities if they do not take proper precautions. Safety concerns can also lead to a loss of trust among customers and can harm the reputation of the swim school.
Solution: Luckily, swim schools can invest in safety equipment and training for staff members to minimize the risk of accidents. They can also create clear safety policies and procedures and communicate them effectively to all stakeholders. Regular safety audits can also help identify potential hazards and address them proactively.
Customer management
In addition to these main challenges, swim schools must also focus on customer management early on in order to establish convenient procedures for clients. Providing excellent customer service is critical to keeping students and parents satisfied and ensuring the long-term success of the business.
Solution: Swim schools should prioritize clear and consistent communication with their customers, including providing regular updates on classes, addressing concerns in a timely and professional manner, and soliciting feedback to continuously improve the experience for students and parents. To this end, Captyn features convenient tools like:
- Free text and email for bulk lists and individuals.
- Payment reminders.
- Roster management and participant check-in.
- And more!
Ultimately, running a swim school can be challenging, but with proper planning, preparation, and the right tools many of these challenges can be overcome. We believe in your ability to foster a safe, enjoyable, and profitable learning environment for students of all ages. Captyn is happy to help you grow! Contact us for a quick walk-through today!
