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Learn to Swim
Is your fear of the water holding you back from enjoying activities like pool parties, boating at the lake, beach vacations, or playing with your kids? Perhaps you're confident in the shallow end, but the deep end seems intimidating. Or maybe you've just never had the opportunity to learn the basics of swimming from an experienced instructor.
A little fear of the water can be a good thing, especially when we're talking about lakes, rivers, and oceans. But a big fear can be paralyzing and keep you from enjoying all of the wonderful water-based activities out there.
Fortunately, it's never too late to learn how to swim. I've got a solution designed especially for adults like you.
Solution: Hold My Hand
With this set of private beginner lessons, I'll be right there in the water with you, and you'll get 100% of my attention. I'll provide the expertise, but you set the pace.
The first thing we'll focus on is getting comfortable in the water. Once we get past that initial fear response, you'll be able to relax and focus on learning to swim. We'll cover key skills such as breathing, floating, kicking, gliding, and treading.
I want to make sure you're ready to get the most out of these lessons, so you'll also receive a pre-swim checklist with helpful tips on how to prepare for your time at the pool. Trust me, you'll be surprised at what your body and mind can accomplish.
Here's what one of my beginner clients had to say about me after just one lesson:
"She has a very methodical approach to coaching and helps break down complex topics into simple ones. Communication has also been excellent so far. I was never able to float on my back before but today I was able to hang on for about 10-20 seconds so her methods definitely are working." - Manoj A.
Investment: $375* for a pre-swim checklist and 5 private lessons. Each lesson includes 45 minutes of pool time and is followed by a custom written action plan that's tailored to your needs.
*Please note that facility admission fees are not included in these prices. If you have a membership to the pool, you can scan your card for entry. If you don't have a membership, you can pay the drop-in rate or purchase a multi-admission pass (this typically works out to $8-$13 per visit).
Do you have a friend or family member who also wants to learn how to swim? Want to save a little money?
Solution: Hold Our Hands
If you're at about the same skill level and can make your schedules align, I can coach two clients at once. Signing up together can add an extra dose of fun and accountability, as you can encourage each other and practice together, too.
Investment: $600* (that's only $300 per person vs. $375 as an individual) for a pre-swim checklist and 5 semi-private lessons. Each lesson includes 45 minutes of pool time and is followed by a written action plan with a summary of key points from our lesson and custom practice recommendations.
*Please note that facility admission fees are not included in these prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?+
At this time, I operate out of five City of Edmonton facilities: Kinsmen, Peter Hemingway, Commonwealth, Eastglen, and Grand Trunk. You can use this custom map to see which one is closest to you.
What days and times are available for coaching sessions?+
I aim to book sessions on weekdays between 9 am and 4 pm. This is when pools are the quietest and have the most space available. I find booking during these times makes for a much more pleasant learning experience. Of course, this works best for people who have some flexibility in their work schedules. If you work from 8-5 every day, I might not be the best fit for you.
Are you a certified swim coach/instructor?+
Yes, I hold multiple certifications through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and am a member of Swim Alberta, Swimming Canada, and the Canadian Swim Coaches Association. I also have current standard first aid and CPR certification. I'm happy to provide proof of any of these certifications upon request.
Do you follow a specific curriculum?+
Nope. Every session you get with me is customized just for you. In the past, I've taught using Red Cross and Lifesaving Society swimming curricula and also created a custom curriculum for an international school. While having a curriculum is great for teaching group lessons and for inexperienced instructors, at this point, I have a wealth of knowledge and experience that I can draw upon to give you exactly what you need in order to meet your goals.
Do you also work with men? What about children?+
While they are not my primary focus, I am open to taking on men as clients. Although I have spent plenty of time working with kids in the past, they benefit from a certain kind of energy and equipment that I may not have access to. I would consider taking on a mature, highly-motivated tween or teen, though, particularly if they are homeschooled and can take lessons during school hours.
What's your cancellation policy?+
I want to make my services as accessible as possible for people who may have chronic illnesses, disabilities, and executive dysfunction, all of which can lead to difficulties with reliable attendance. I also recognize that some people may rely on having something scheduled (and not easily rescheduled) to give them the motivation to show up (even when it's something they want to do). With that in mind, and also my own needs for a predictable schedule and cashflow, when you fill in my intake form, you get to choose between having either one or two free cancellations/rescheduling (giving at least 2 hours notice). Any subsequent cancellation will result in a $40 fee, which must be paid prior to rescheduling the session or attending the next scheduled session.