Instructor Stories

“When I was newly married, a 3-year-old little boy in our church drowned at a family get together near the lake. Everyone thought someone else was watching him. It was heartbreaking to witness. 

A few years later, when I started having kids of my own…this story was never far from my mind. I put my toddler in 2 or 3 flotation devices any time we were around water. I had no idea that “Survival Swim Lessons” existed. I thought I was doing all that I could to keep my child safe, then 1 day, I saw a video online of a toddler falling into a pool and then turning over to float. My mind was blown!! I immediately started researching. Much to my dismay, there were no Survival style swim lessons offered in my area. As the months went by, myself and many mom friends were desperate to get our babies in this style of lessons. I finally decided to go for it and get certified in Survival Swimming. 

I drove to Atlanta every week for 6 weeks and drove home on the weekends. I had 2 kids under 3 and was 6 months pregnant. Everyone thought I was crazy, but I knew I had to do this! 7 years and hundreds of students later, my mind is still blown every time I see a kid nail their back float for the first time or finally swim across the pool. It is so rewarding to see the daily progress that takes place in each lesson. 

We have also been able to put our kids in private school, take regular family vacations, and become debt-free with the finances coming in through teaching swim lessons…FROM HOME!”

Camilla H.

Knoxville, TN

“I became a Survival Swim Instructor because it’s what I was called to do. The water is one of my favorite places to be. I was taught from a very early age how to respect, be safe, and love the water. I want everyone to be taught the same. I also have a son with autism and children with autism are drawn to water. It’s shiny, calm, and quiet under the water. Children with ASD are drawn to that, making them more susceptible to drowning at any age. I want to keep him and as many children with ASD from that fate. Not too many places can help children with special needs with swimming or they hike up the price. I want to help those families. 

Being a Survival Swim Specialist has afforded me the freedom to teach around my son’s therapies, and create the schedule I want. It has given my family more financial freedom and it shows my own children that if you work hard and passionately enough, you can accomplish your dreams, do big things, and make a difference in the world. As of 2021, 39 children have successfully passed their Survival Test. I have had 5 parents come to me with stories of their children falling into the water (one in a creek) and using their survival swim knowledge and they saved themselves. It is truly the most challenging and rewarding gig I have ever had. 

My father always told me to find something I love and build a career around it so I won’t feel like I’m working. So I did. I don’t work. I play. I am so incredibly blessed to wake up in the morning and spend my day teaching children to confidently trust themselves, help build their character, and most importantly, save themselves if they were to find themselves in the water alone. That’s a pretty great way to wake up every day.”

Heidi W.

Little Rock, AR

“I started looking into Survival Swim Lessons because I saw the need for an instructor in our area. At the time our youngest daughter didn’t know how to swim. I love the flexibility of being my own boss and making my own schedule. It’s very rewarding. I love when the children realize they can swim and have the confidence to survive in the water. Our business has grown and now my husband works with me. It’s such a gift!”

Hayden W.

Springfield, MO