In the context of the Big Blue Swim School franchise, what constitutes an 'Unsupported Activity'?
Big_Blue_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
One of our affiliates currently owns all aspects of the BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL branded system and licenses that intellectual property to us for use in our franchise program for BIG BLUE Swim Schools operating the Swim School Concept ("BIG BLUE Swim Schools"). The definition of "Swim School Concept" expressly excludes a swim-related business, whether or not operated under the Marks, whose core activities are anything other than providing swim lessons and skills in approximately 90-degree water to children ranging in age from three (3) months to twelve (12) years old, including, for example but without limitation, competitive swimming in lower-temperature water, coaching and video analysis, laps, and wave pools.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 76–278)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Big Blue Swim School FDD, the 'Swim School Concept' is specifically defined to exclude certain swim-related businesses. Big Blue Swim School's core activity is providing swim lessons and skills in approximately 90-degree water to children aged three months to twelve years.
Unsupported activities are those that fall outside this core definition. Examples of unsupported activities include, but are not limited to, competitive swimming in lower-temperature water, coaching and video analysis, laps, and wave pools. These activities, even if operated under the Big Blue Swim School brand, are not part of the franchised Swim School Concept.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that the Big Blue Swim School franchise is focused on a specific niche: swim lessons for young children in a controlled, warm-water environment. Franchisees are expected to adhere to this concept and not deviate into other swim-related activities. This focus helps maintain brand consistency and ensures that all Big Blue Swim Schools offer a similar experience. However, it also limits the franchisee's ability to diversify into other potential revenue streams within the aquatics industry.