Fishy franchise coming to Wichita next year

Wichitan Jon Becker said it wasn’t until he started doing triathlons about a decade ago that he realized that although he knew how to swim, he didn’t really know how to swim.

“It gave me a whole new respect for swimming in general,” he said.

Now he and his wife, Annie, are bringing a Goldfish Swim School franchise to Wichita to teach children ages four months to 12 years how to swim.

The Michigan-based franchise is known for a colorful atmosphere with “a little bit of a Caribbean vibe,” Jon Becker said.

“It was just so exciting to see something like that.”

Annie Becker is a former elementary school teacher, and she said she particularly likes the Goldfish curriculum.

“Kids can learn to swim through play,” she said. “They’re just focused on how much fun they’re having. It’s the perfect way to learn.”

The Beckers are scouting potential Goldfish sites now, particularly on the east side, and hope to open by next spring.

They will build an indoor pool and keep it at 90 degrees year round.

“I absolutely see Wichita being able to support two locations,” Jon Becker said.

Prices will vary depending on packages. Look for more information closer to the opening.

As owners of Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Wichita, Lincoln, Neb., and Springfield, Mo., Jon Becker said he and his wife are already used to working with children and employing young professionals.

“We really have found that niche.”