- We believe in abundant positive verbal reinforcements and gentle persistence. We are true water mentors to our students – emphasizing fun, safe, efficient techniques in a creative and nurturing environment.

- We believe strongly that working to create flexibility throughout the entire body adds to the speed in which they will find success in the water. We put particular focus and emphasis on loosening the ankles and feet. Over the years, Coach Syd has discovered a common thread that is often evident in adults who do not like swimming or do not feel comfortable swimming and the problem usually start with very tight ankles. We sometimes refer to this as “runners ankles.”

- The second big factor in kids picking up swim skills quickly is whether or not they have a severe aversion to water on their face. If they do, we use systematic desensitization techniques to help move past this hurdle. Sometimes we like to give out homework they can practice in the bathtub.

- All coaches are trained to read the body language of the children and find ways to help them relax areas that feel rigid. By helping children locate and relax by drawing their focus to a certain area, we can hopefully aid them in releasing any tightness/tension.

- We teach balance, movement and breath –in that order. The balance we strive for is a relaxed, perfectly horizontal position, first on their front and then on their back. For some, this can create a scary feeling of falling because on land that is an accurate read for what happens. Vertical body tendencies are something we continuously try to improve by engaging in a lot of sliding jumps to and from our ladders and stairs.

- We now operate 2 pools with a shallow and a deep end. Our pool on Brooks Ave. features a powerful endless jet system that we can use to help kids gain comfort and confidence navigating through currents that they may find in rivers and oceans. It also gives them a chance to ride the jets of water on a body board or in a body surfing position. Our pool on Ocean View Ave. features a curved water slide for a fun reward when the lessons are finished. We have heard that sometimes when families go on vacation to a pool with a deep end, their child loses some of their comfort and confidence. This season, we feel like that can be solved with the addition of our two new deeper pools.

- We also offer techniques on learning to snorkel for any family vacations that might be coming up where there might be an opportunity to do this.

- We previously only offered semi-private lessons, except for tot-n-me classes, because we have found that a low student-to-teacher ratio makes for a quicker progression in acquiring water skills and techniques. With the addition of our two new pools this summer, we will be able to offer a limited number of private lessons to those who desire them. 

Our Method

Water balance method-  getting kids comfortable creating a horizontal body position, that will allow kids to master the art and athleticism of bending the water to create the best techniques for positive forward motion.  

* Our teachers physically assist the body and mind in forming new syntax connections in the brain that will create the opportunity for the child to one day fully direct their body in a smooth efficient manner to a desired target, in any aquatic environments.

* To go the longest possible distance holding their breathe in a variety of stroke formats. 

* Develop the strength and coordination to replace old air with fresh air (taking breaths) in their dominant stroke.

* Replace air in a variety of techniques in all 4 competitive strokes.

*As children gain more control and coordination with how they use their bodies, we strive to get their strokes more efficient and faster, to a point that will sustain them throughout the span of their entire lives.