The Water Wings Swim School Story
The History of Our Swim School Franchise
At Water Wings, we believe swimming is about more than just moving through water—it’s about building confidence, cultivating safety, and creating lifelong memories. Since opening our first location in 2003 at the Merryhill private school in Las Vegas, Nevada, our mission has stayed the same: to help children and adults of all ages thrive in the water while having fun every step of the way.
A Passionate Beginning
The story of Water Wings began with a shared passion for teaching and swimming. Avi and Tracy Shafshak, the husband-and-wife duo behind our swim school, brought together their unique expertise to build something truly special. Avi’s background in business, swim instruction, and school management complemented Tracy’s experience as a competitive swimmer, coach, and child psychology expert.
Together, they understood the importance of creating a program that didn’t just teach swimming but also made it enjoyable and accessible for all.
Growing Our Community
What started as a dream quickly evolved into a thriving community. Word spread about that first Las Vegas location's quality instruction and welcoming atmosphere. Families loved how focusing on fun helped their children overcome fear, gain confidence, and develop essential water safety skills. It wasn’t long before Water Wings Swim School grew to 13 indoor facilities across Nevada, California, Texas and Idaho, each a hub for learning, laughter, and personal growth.
At Water Wings, we believe that when students love being in the water, they learn better—that's why we create an environment of joy and discovery. As we prepare to grow through franchising in 2025 and expand into swim teams and specialty clinics, we remain anchored in our commitment to safety, fun, and building a vibrant swimming community.
Our Creed
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FunLearning is most effective when it’s enjoyable! By creating engaging and playful lessons, we help students look forward to every session. The smiles and laughter aren’t just for show—they’re a sign that real progress is being made. -
SafetySafety is at the core of everything we do. Our program emphasizes the skills and techniques needed to build awareness of water safety, allowing students to approach swimming confidently and securely. -
SwimEvery step we take leads toward mastery in the water. Through consistent practice and expert guidance, students develop strong foundational skills that grow with them, transforming swimming into an empowering, lifelong capability.
Discover Our Swim School Franchise Opportunity
From one pool in Las Vegas to over a dozen state-of-the-art facilities across several states, Water Wings Swim School continues transforming lives. By blending a love for swimming with proven instruction and a community-first mindset, we inspire students to build confidence that lasts well beyond the water. We're looking for passionate individuals to join us in making a difference as part of our swim school franchise family.
Take a next step to learn more about the opportunity and how you can become part of our story!
Proud to Partner with Unleashed Brands
Water Wings Swim School has been teaching and inspiring water fun and safety since 2003. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are excited to see where our journey takes us. The next chapter of our educational franchise began when we joined the Unleashed Brands family in 2025. We are thrilled to be part of their platform of youth enrichment brands impacting children and families throughout the world. This partnership will enable us to further grow and provide additional opportunities for our franchisees.
Now is an exciting time to join Water Wings, so take the first step today!
