Two years ago, two high school friends dove into the deep end of a business venture.
Riley Wilson, 16 and Grace Abbott, 17, started The Swim Station in the summer of 2021, offering private and semi-private lessons at Abbott’s home in the Town of the Blue Mountains. In 2021, the Collingwood Collegiate Institute students had about 15 students. By 2022, word spread and they had about 70 students register.
“We love it. It’s the highlight of our summer. It doesn’t even feel like a job,” said Abbott.
“We were pretty shocked that many people wanted to swim with us,” said Wilson.
As this season has been so successful, they were inspired to donate $1,000 of this season’s profits to the Canadian Red Cross, asking that it be used for their adaptive swim program.
“The adaptive swim program helps swimmers with disabilities. Both seasons, we had a couple of kids with special needs,” said Wilson.
“We thought giving (funds) to that program would help as we saw the impact lessons had on our students,” said Abbott.
Both teachers have their swimming instructor certifications and lifeguard training, and adapt their programs depending on the needs of each child. Lessons are open to kids of all ages, and lessons are offered up to Swim Level 6.
“We knew throughout COVID-19, swimming lessons across town had been cancelled so we thought it was a service we could provide,” said Abbott.
While the duo wrapped up this year’s swim season this week, they already have their eyes set on next year.
“We have been talking about expanding. Depending on how many kids register next summer, we might be looking at hiring some more instructors,” said Wilson.
Both entrepreneurs plan to pursue post-secondary business degrees, and feel that running their own summer business has helped them gain skills that will help them throughout their lives.
“It’s been really fun. It helps us get our foot in the door and understand the responsibility and organization that comes along with it,” said Abbott. “It’s been rewarding.”
If you’d be interested in more information regarding The Swim Station, Wilson and Abbott can be reached through email here, or through their Instagram page here.
