Making a splash in the world of swim instruction
urSwim emerged with a mission to revolutionize swim instruction and address the fragmented and seasonal nature of traditional swimming programs. Founded by Marina Mentzel, our visionary leader, urSwim aimed to make a significant impact on water safety and address the alarming statistics surrounding childhood drowning.
Recognizing the need for high-quality at-home swim instruction, Marina saw the value of teaching children to swim in the pools where they spend the most time. With highly trained instructors and a commitment to tailored lessons, urSwim quickly gained traction, serving 1,000s of clients across Long Island.
Expanding beyond swim instruction, urSwim formed strategic partnerships with premium indoor swimming pool facilities, enabling year-round swim lessons. Additionally, we addressed the diverse needs of day camps, beach clubs, and municipalities by offering turn-key swim instruction and lifeguard management services. As an authorized provider of the American Red Cross, urSwim sets the standard for training and certifications in the industry.
Building on our success, urSwim has evolved into a rapidly growing franchise, establishing swim schools in New York and Connecticut. Our vision extends beyond serving residential and community pools. We strive to become the leading provider of swim education in underserved communities, working to change drowning statistics in these areas.
We invite dedicated and passionate individuals to join our team and be part of the urSwim story as we continue to make waves in swim instruction and water safety.
Our Story
Deliver a Superior Swim Experience
We believe that swimming is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. That's why we tailor our swim programs to meet the unique needs of our students, whether they're children or adults. We take pride in being the only swim school to offer both at-home and indoor swim lessons, ensuring convenience and flexibility for all.
Water Safety is Our #1 Priority
Above all else, we prioritize water safety. Our goal is to create safe swimmers as soon as possible, which is why we emphasize teaching survival floating, treading water, and safe water entries and exits. We equip our swimmers with the essential skills to keep them safe in and around the water.
Skilled Aquatics Staff
We invest our resources wisely. While other swim schools may focus on extravagant pool designs, we direct our efforts toward hiring the best aquatics team. Our swim instructors have an average of 2+ years of swim and/or swim instruction experience and receive annual training which includes certifications in CPR.
Igniting a Love for Swimming at Every Age
urSwim offers comprehensive programs for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Our Little Swimmers program introduces young children to the joy of swimming in a safe and nurturing environment. For adult swimmers, we provide tailored programs to meet specific goals, from learning to swim to competitive training. Swimming is a lifelong journey, and at urSwim, we're here to support and inspire swimmers of every age.
Rent-a-Lifeguard: Ensuring Safety and Peace of Mind
urSwim's Rent-a-Lifeguard service prioritizes safety at your events. Our professional and certified lifeguards are available to safeguard participants during pool parties, corporate events, and gatherings near the water. With our Rent-a-Lifeguard service, you can enjoy your event with peace of mind, knowing trained professionals are vigilantly watching over the water.
American Red Cross: Leading Training and Certification
As an authorized provider of the American Red Cross and other national certification providers, urSwim offers essential courses and education. Our comprehensive offerings include Adult CPR, Child/Infant CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding Courses. Participants receive valuable certifications, recognized nationwide, enhancing their readiness and preparedness.
Pool Management: Streamlining Aquatic Facility Operations
urSwim's Pool Management services simplify the complex task of managing aquatic facilities. Our experienced team handles all aspects, from hiring and training lifeguards to overseeing swim instructors and certified pool operators. With us as your partner, you can focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience while we manage the logistics.
Our Team
Meet Marina
Marina Mentzel is the visionary founder and CEO of urSwim, leading the way in revolutionizing the aquatics management industry. With a deep passion for swim instruction, lifeguard staffing, pool management, and first aid courses, Marina's dynamic leadership has propelled urSwim to the forefront of water safety and education.
Accomplishments:
- Completed over 50,000 swim lessons, serving more than 1,500 students each season
- Graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Program and Tory Burch Foundation Fellow
- Secured second place in the Carolina Challenge Venture Pitch competition
- Sought-after speaker at entrepreneurial panels and events
- Active advocate for small businesses
Marina's dedication extends beyond her professional life. As a devoted mother, she understands the importance of water safety for families and is committed to creating a future where every child can confidently navigate the water.
Meet Brenna
Brenna Dowd is the Director of Operations at urSwim, who joined our team in 2014 as a dedicated swim instructor. Brenna's passion for swimming and commitment to excellence propelled her journey from a competitor and captain of the Ithaca College Women's Swimming and Diving team to her current role.
Accomplishments:
- Earned numerous accolades, including All-State and All-Conference honors
- Named the E8 Sportswoman of the Year in 2015
- Contributed to urSwim's growth and recognition as the Director of Creative Content
- Brings creativity and expertise to ensure seamless operations and exceptional service
- Beyond her role at urSwim, Brenna enjoys exploring her love for documentaries and embarking on thrilling hikes with her adventurous canine companion, Buddy.
Join Brenna Dowd and the urSwim team in creating extraordinary swimming experiences for our swimmers and partners.
Together, we'll push boundaries, ignite imaginations, and create a future where every swimmer's potential is realized.
Join UrSwim family
Join us as we revolutionize the world of swim instruction, lifeguard staffing, and pool management.
Notice Regarding Franchise Offers and Sales. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. Franchise offerings are made by Franchise Disclosure Document only.
Disclaimer
Notice Regarding Franchise Offers and Sales. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. Franchise offerings are made by Franchise Disclosure Document only.
Disclaimer
Success Stories
"urSwim went above and beyond in ensuring a safe and successful swim season. From their initial site visit where their team began planning the safest ways to have the kids enter and exit the pool area, to what would be the most successful way to separate groups to ensure every child gets the most out of their swim instruction, every detail was accounted for. The Aquatics Directors staffed for our camp were very communicative and great at managing a larger staff to ensure that every swim group had an appropriate swim instructor. The entire experience with urSwim was so easy and convenient as it allowed us to focus on other aspects of the camp, feeling confident that all things aquatics were taken care of thanks to urSwim."
Camp Director, Long Island New York
Success Stories
"Hiring urSwim to teach swim lessons at our beach club has been amazing. The instructors are courteous, patient and so wonderful with the children. The parents rave about what a wonderful experience learning to swim has been for their children and how they are looking forward for swim lessons to begin again. Hands down, urSwim is the best swim company this club has ever had and we have been happy to have them be part of our beach club for the last 6 summers. Thank you to Marina and her wonderful staff for giving the children at our club a wonderful learn-to-swim experience. You guys are the best!"
president, beach club
