Horsham Small Business Spotlight: Aqua-Tots

HORSHAM, PA -- Towns so often take their character from the entrepreneurial spirit that shapes its shops, storefronts, and downtown areas. Patch's Small Business Spotlight series aims to shine a light on local business owners with a strong sense of place, with a business rooted in the community and its people. This week's spotlight is on the swimming and recreation center, Aqua-Tots Horsham.

Business: Aqua-Tots Horsham

Owner: Andrea Sahl

Website: https://www.aqua-tots.com/

Address: 307 Horsham Road

How did you come up with the name?

"Aqua-Tots is a national franchise that was founded in 1991. The company’s mission is to prevent drownings by teaching young kids (starting at four months old) to feel comfortable and be safe in the water – so the name is a perfect fit."

Why start a business in this town?

"With 3 children of my own, learning to swim was a non-negotiable for my family. There are a lot of swim centers and pools available to the community, but few actually focus on water safety. Frustrated by the lack of quality swim lessons, my husband Brad and I decided to open the first Aqua-Tots in the Northeast (after working in corporate America for over 25 years)."

"Aqua-Tots is an active member of the United States Swim School Association (USSSA) and we maintain a high teaching standard in the swim industry. My staff and I have created a robust water safety curriculum that includes teaching kids how to hold their breath under water and use efficient, proper strokes. By learning these valuable techniques, kids gain a greater understanding of and respect for the water."

What business are you in?

"Swimming and recreation."

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

"There are always challenges associated with opening a brand-new facility to the public. Aqua-Tots Horsham opened in August and one of the biggest challenges has been getting the word out to the community. That’s why we’re hosting our 1st Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, November 4 from 1-4 pm. Families can come out to this free event to enjoy games and activities in and out of the pool, including a one-hour open swim, yoga, arts & crafts, balloon artists and more. There will also be giveaways, including a free month of swim classes." (For more details about the festival, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AquaTotsHorsham/)

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

"Watching kids learn to love the water! I love building lifelong relationships with the families that use our facilities. Our staff celebrates every time a child graduates from one swim level to the next. Seeing the joy and pride on a graduate’s face is priceless."

How does your business give back to the community?

"According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for kids under five. As a mom of three, that’s a hard stat to swallow. I’m passionate about saving lives by teaching kids how to stay safe in the pool."

"The community needs a place where parents can learn about water safety alongside their kids. I come across so many parents who don’t feel equipped to care for their kids in the pool – maybe they’re not great swimmers themselves or they don’t understand the basics of water safety."

"Either way, after taking our classes, both parents and kids have a greater understanding about the risk factors associated with drowning and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. At the end of the day, if our curriculum can help save just one child’s life, then we’ve done our job."

"I invite all families to stop by our facility and sign up for a free swim class! That way, you can get an introduction to our teaching style and learn more about our curriculum before committing to a long-term package."

Image via Aqua-Tots