Watermelon Swim: Creating a Community of Safer Swimmers, One Lesson at a Time

For Micha Seal, water isn’t just a part of life—it’s part of her identity. As a third-generation swim instructor and owner of Watermelon Swim, Micha’s story reflects the perfect mix of family legacy, entrepreneurial determination, and an unrelenting focus on saving lives through water safety. Today, Watermelon Swim is a beacon for swim education in Florida, teaching over 7,000 children a week across four state-of-the-art locations in the Tampa Bay area—with even more growth on the horizon.

A Mission Rooted in Family and Safety

Micha’s journey into the world of swim instruction started with a childhood defined by her family’s resourcefulness and love for the water. Growing up in Tampa, her mother—an early entrepreneur—transformed the family’s backyard pool into a seasonal swim school, beginning with just nine children. “We couldn’t afford a pool at first, so when my mom found a used one for sale, we all pitched in. That backyard was the heart of it all,” Micha recalls.

The importance of swim safety was ingrained early on. In a state like Florida—where drowning is the leading cause of death for children under four—Micha realized her family’s mission had far-reaching impact. “Formal swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. That statistic alone fuels everything we do,” she explains.

Today, Watermelon Swim continues to honor its roots, blending the personal touch of a family business with the expertise and scale of a modern swim school. Their mission remains unchanged: “To build a community of safer swimmers.”

From a Backyard Pool to a Regional Institution

From humble beginnings, Micha’s determination led Watermelon Swim to extraordinary success. Her first major step came in 2005, when she and her mother invested in their first indoor, year-round facility in Lutz. Securing the property was no easy feat—financial institutions hesitated to back their vision, leaving Micha to search for alternative financing. “No one believed two women could pull this off, but we knew this community needed us,” Micha says.

Their perseverance paid off. The Lutz location was just the beginning. Over time, Watermelon Swim expanded to South Tampa, Riverview, and Wesley Chapel, with each facility offering heated indoor pools and consistent year-round programming.

Growth wasn’t without challenges. Acquiring their South Tampa location in 2006—a beloved swim school previously owned by industry icon Jean Sanders—proved especially tumultuous. Micha handled everything from navigating staff resistance to rebranding and remodeling the facility. “We closed for three months, brought in our team, and reintroduced the community to the quality and consistency of what we do,” Micha explains. That bold step cemented Watermelon Swim’s reputation as a trusted name in swim education.

Today, Micha is preparing for the next phase: three new locations are under development, including Brooksville, a booming community north of Tampa. Despite the challenges of scaling, Micha remains committed to ensuring each new facility delivers the same level of excellence. “We’re building these locations with the same heart and vision that started in my mom’s backyard,” she says.

A Culture of Care and Excellence

At the core of Watermelon Swim’s success is its commitment to people—both the families it serves and the team that brings its mission to life. With over 150 employees, Micha has created a workplace where instructors feel valued, motivated, and invested in the company’s future.

The Manager-in-Training Program, launched 12 years ago, has been instrumental in developing the next generation of leaders within the organization. Team members undergo leadership training, participate in workshops, and gain a deep understanding of the business. “We train them so well that they could go anywhere, but we treat them so well that they don’t want to,” Micha says.

This people-first approach extends to the classroom as well. Watermelon Swim instructors are rigorously trained in CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instruction (WSI), and Lifeguard Training to provide the highest level of safety and care.

The result? A strong, positive culture that translates into an exceptional experience for families. Parents trust Watermelon Swim to teach lifesaving skills in a supportive, engaging environment—one where children thrive.

Innovation Meets Commitment to Community

Watermelon Swim stands out not just for its programs but for its dedication to water safety education and community involvement. Their signature “Water Babies” program—free classes for infants aged 0-6 months (with membership)—promotes early water acclimation and safety, reinforcing their mission to reduce drowning risks from infancy.

Beyond the pool, Micha and her team provide free water safety presentations to schools, childcare centers, libraries, and community groups. “Not all parents realize the importance of swim lessons, and not every child has access. This is our way of making a difference,” Micha explains.

Whether organizing holiday-themed events, food drives, or outreach programs, Watermelon Swim remains a community-focused business that prioritizes service over profit.

Looking Ahead: Growth with Purpose

As Tampa Bay continues to grow, so does the demand for high-quality swim instruction. Micha envisions Watermelon Swim playing a pivotal role in ensuring every family has access to lifesaving lessons. “The growth in Florida is incredible, but with it comes greater responsibility. Our mission is to meet this need head-on and expand thoughtfully,” she says.

Opening new facilities isn’t just about business—it’s about impact. Micha carefully selects locations where swim schools are most needed, working closely with financial partners like DFCU (formerly First Citrus Bank) to bring her vision to life. “It’s an investment in the community and in the future safety of our children,” she adds.

Advice for Entrepreneurs: Staying the Course

For Micha Seal, entrepreneurship is about resilience, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose. Her journey has been filled with challenges, from securing funding to navigating staff transitions during periods of rapid growth.

“You have to believe in your mission, even when no one else does,” she advises. Micha emphasizes the importance of staying true to your values while being willing to pivot when necessary. “There will always be obstacles—financing, logistics, growth pains—but if your mission is clear and your community supports you, you’ll find a way.”

She also credits her success to building the right team. “You can’t scale alone. Invest in people who share your vision, empower them with the tools to lead, and create an environment where they want to stay.” For Micha, the most rewarding part of her entrepreneurial journey is seeing her team and family carry forward a legacy of making a difference.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

Being named a GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honoree is both humbling and affirming for Micha. “I’m incredibly honored to be recognized among such innovative and impactful companies. It validates the work we’ve done for over 40 years and inspires us to keep growing,” she shares.

While many view rapid growth as an opportunity to sell, Micha has a different perspective. With three of her six children actively involved in the business, she sees Watermelon Swim as a legacy for future generations. “This company isn’t for sale—it’s for my children, our team, and the families we serve every day.”

As Micha prepares to join other honorees at the GrowFL conference, she reflects on the journey that brought her here: a backyard pool, an unwavering mission, and a community that believed in her vision.

With roots in family, a clear mission, and a commitment to excellence, Watermelon Swim isn’t just teaching children to swim—it’s saving lives and shaping communities.