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Swim lessons that teach courage first.

A little scared + a little try = brave. Pick your pool to see its days, prices and directions.

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Why we teach

Hard is okay. Hurt means stop.

It's okay to be scared. Being scared can protect you, and the same feeling shows up for something hard and for something that hurts, so it's hard to tell which one it is. That's what our one question is for: "Hard or hurt?" Hard means scary, and I can try. Hurt means stop. Your child makes the call.

No child is forced. We want children authentic enough to say no and to trust their own judgment; even when they're wrong, it's still their judgment. The water rules are ours to keep; the try is theirs. From the very first lesson, every child learns that "stop" is their superpower here.

"What I strive for is a place where a child feels secure enough to fail. Every child needs that place, and an adult they trust. It starts with a parent. That's why you're right there at every lesson. Your presence matters."
Jamey MyersA parent first.

Why you're at the edge of the pool

At most swim schools, parents watch from behind a wall of glass, and a scared child is on their own. Here, you're at the edge of the pool, close by, watching. You don't have to do anything. Your being there is what makes your child feel secure enough to try. If they need a break, they can get out and give you a hug, then go back when they're ready. And some days "not today" is still the answer. That's okay too. (Under 3, you're in the water with your child.)

What that means in every lesson

  • When a child says stop, we stop.
  • You're right there at every lesson, close enough for a hug.

What we will do: teach your child to swim, with one coach and one or two children in the water (three in a Madison small group, by request); keep you close by your child, every lesson: at the edge of the pool, or in the water with them if they are under 3; tell you where your child is and what comes next; stop when your child says stop; and tell you the truth about how each lesson went.

Who teaches

Jamey Myers, founder and working coach

  • A parent first.
  • Red Cross certified lifeguard.
  • Tens of thousands of lessons since 1995, many of them with children who were afraid of the water.
  • University of Alabama: team captain, SEC champion, 11-time NCAA All-American and Olympic Trials qualifier.
  • SwimAmerica program director.

Your child has the same teacher every week. We hire adults who love this work, and we pay them to stay, so your child's teacher won't change from week to week or leave halfway through the year.

Read Jamey's story
Coach Jamey, teaching a back float in Madison.

Ready when your child is.

Pick your pool to see its days and prices, then book a free first lesson.