Making Waves: British Swim School of Greater Miami
- karla152
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
At Miami Kids Magazine, we believe water safety is one of the most crucial life skills a child can learn. Today, we are honored to speak with Nicole Pierce, franchise owner of British Swim School of Greater Miami, as she carries forward the mission of the school’s beloved founder, Rita Goldberg.
Rita’s passion for teaching life-saving swimming skills impacted thousands, and her legacy endures through every child who learns to float and every family who feels safer around water. In this interview, we explore her lasting influence, British Swim School’s unique teaching methods, and how her vision continues to shape swim education today.
Join us as we celebrate the power of swimming to transform lives.
How would you describe Rita Goldberg’s impact on the world of swim education and water safety?
Rita Goldberg revolutionized water survival education. In 1981, she introduced the back floating method, proving that infants, young children, and those with disabilities could learn to float and survive. She made swim lessons more accessible by utilizing underused pools for structured instruction, helping prevent drownings and making water safety a priority for families nationwide.
You mentioned that Rita was a hero in your life. Can you share a special memory or lesson she taught you that still guides you today?
Rita always saw potential in people, including me. She transitioned me from a swim teacher to a franchise owner, believing in my ability before I did. One of her most powerful mottos was, "You can’t count the accidents that don’t happen." That philosophy drives me every day. She understood that swim education wasn’t just about teaching strokes—it was about preventing tragedies. Her leadership, resilience, and passion continue to inspire me in my work.
British Swim School emphasizes preventing drowning, a silent epidemic. What key safety lessons should children and parents take away from your programs?
Drowning is preventable, yet it remains the leading cause of accidental death for children under four. Our "Survival of the Littles" approach ensures that before learning strokes, children first master floating and breathing techniques. Our fun, gentle teaching methods help even the youngest swimmers gain confidence.
We offer a nine-level program, ensuring gradual skill development. Our non-competitive Miami Wahoos Swim Team keeps kids engaged while improving their skills. Plus, swim lessons aren’t just for kids—we teach adults, too! By making survival swimming accessible, we empower families with the skills they need to stay safe.
As a franchise owner, how do you plan to continue Rita’s mission and inspire future generations of swimmers?
Rita’s legacy lives on through Buzz Franchise Brands, which expanded British Swim School to over 350 locations nationwide. Our Miami branch is committed to broadening that reach. We train passionate instructors, develop new partnerships, and enhance our student experience.
We also launched the Rita Goldberg Water Safety Scholarship, providing lessons to children in need. With Miami-Dade ranking among the highest in drowning rates, this initiative ensures that more kids gain access to life-saving swim education.
What advice would you give parents hesitant about enrolling their children in swim lessons? How can they ensure water safety at home and beyond?
Swimming isn’t just a sport—it’s a life-saving skill. Some kids may resist at first, but just like wearing a seatbelt, swim lessons are non-negotiable. Research shows swim lessons reduce drowning risk by 80%, even while a child is still learning.
To enhance water safety, parents should: ✅ Install barriers: Pool fences and locked gates prevent unsupervised access.✅ Assign a Water Watcher: Designate a responsible adult to monitor children around water.✅ Learn CPR: In emergencies, immediate response can be lifesaving.✅ Check water first: If a child is missing, check pools and bathtubs first—seconds matter.
By prioritizing swim education and implementing these precautions, we can work together to prevent drowning and keep children safe.
Locations:
- Kendall. 8555 SW 124th Ave, Miami, FL, 33183.
- Miami Bird Road. 8310 Bird Road, Miami, FL, 33155.
- Doral West. 1970 NW 117th Pl, Doral, FL, 33182.
- Doral. 10055 NW 41st St, Doral, FL, 33178.
- North Miami Beach. 1580 NE Miami Gardens Dr., Miami, FL, 33179.
- Hialeah Gardens. 5730 NW 183rd St, Miami, FL, 33015.
Website and phone number:
- (844) 446-7946
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