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This is a unique experience in swimming. I follow the Red Cross curriculum, but instead of teaching lesson by lesson to the group, I teach on a continual basis. This means that if your child needs more time on a specific skill, I will take the time needed to teach them that skill. I have different levels of swimming mastery together in the same class. As such, much of the time it is like four private lessons going on at the same time. I try not to have all very beginners together as it can actually impede learning. If beginner swimmers see more advanced swimmers having a great time, this will inevitably give them the thought of having fun. Swimming needs to be enjoyable as well as safety conscious. I want the children to share my positive feelings about swimming and love the water as much as I do. It needs to become an environment that is second nature to them. We spend as much time as it takes for a child to get use to getting their face wet and under the water. I never will purposely put a child under water. I teach them that they are here to learn to be safe and have control of their body. It is up to them to try to do what I ask. Every one learns at a different rate and in a different manner because EACH child is a special individual.

I have an above ground 24 foot pool that has three sets of stairs. I work in a triangular formation in a round pool with beginners and work up to swimming laps straight across as kids progress. The edges of the pool are about 3 1/2 feet deep and the center is close to five, This encourages them to get used to water over their head gradually and can have them close to a safe place very readily. The parents can move with their child on the deck and be near a fearful little one but yet have them in the new surroundings without the parent having to be in the water. I really like to have encouragement from the person that brings them here such as the parent, nanny, or grandparent. The better a child feels about being supported the faster they will progress. There is no talk about passing or failing. IT IS A LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM. If someone becomes panicky, a card with a level on it is not going to protect them. They need to be skillful and confident; this is what I teach: YOU CAN DO IT!