A new British Swim School location opened next to Rice Village July 15, making it the franchise's 10th location in the Greater Houston area.

The details

The pool is located at the 24-Hour Fitness center on Dunstan Road and has free parking at the main entrance, according to the swim school's website. The center has several amenities for students to use, including a pool lift for swimmers who need assistance, non-stick flooring and a heated pool. There are also on-deck restrooms, showers and a glass-enclosed viewing deck for parents.

Diving in deeper

For owner Adekunle Akande, the reason behind opening the school is very personal. Growing up in Nigeria, he said he didn’t have access to swim schools or the chance to learn about water safety.

As a Rice University alum, Akande said, “It’s all about the community impact for me. I want to provide access to those who don’t have it.”

According to the school, lessons can start as early as three months and are available to children and adults of all ages. Private, semi-private and group lessons ranging from around $150 to $320 per month are listed on the company's website.

The lessons are structured around a three-part curriculum focusing on acclimation, water survival and stroke development.

Enrollment is open year-round, all classes are 30 minutes long and students can move up to the next level at their own pace. (Courtesy of British Swim School)
Enrollment is open year-round, all classes are 30 minutes long and students can move up to the next level at their own pace. (Courtesy of British Swim School)

Something to note

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children, with risks varying by age group. The British Swim School recommends these water safety tips:

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Learn how to identify a distressed swimmer and the basics of CPR
  • When struggling in water, rest your muscles and float on your back
  • Have inexperienced swimmers wear a life jacket
  • Keep toys not in use away from pool areas and out of sight
  • Install and use barriers around home pools and hot tubs
The youngest swimmers start in Parent & Me classes until they can move up to the next level for children ages three to five. (Courtesy of British Swim School)
The youngest swimmers start in Parent & Me classes until they can move up to the next level for children ages three to five. (Courtesy of British Swim School)

The franchise has over 450 schools currently operating in 37 states. In the future, Akande hopes to partner with local schools and hospitals to expand his school’s reach and teach as many students as possible.