Aquatics educators are very lucky professionals. We teach children a fun, healthy activity that they can enjoy their whole life, but also the only sport that can help save their life in an emergency.

Swimming’s physical aspects are the first things that our parents think of. But we know how amazing it is to engage children’s developing minds. We also get to educate parents about how each of these brain functions can express themselves in the water and how the whole child develops as a result of consistent swimming education and coaching.

The first thing SwimJim loves to teach its parents and team members is about the reptilian brain function. This is the “fight or flight” response we see when a child is upset during their first few lessons. We know how this provokes a similar protective response among parents.

Next, we help kids develop their limbic brain systems. This is where emotions and memories are born. When I meet students I taught 25 years ago – often with children of their own – they can sing the songs I taught them in their lessons. We support how kids feel, how they experience those emotions and memories and how they mature while developing coordination, strength and social interaction.

Through Experiential Learning based in Music, Song, Repetition, Love and Nurturing, we as swimming educators have the wonderful gift of being able to help children learn in a happy and safe place. They grow not only in skills but in confidence and learn to trust people outside of their families.

Swim teachers have known for a long time that swimming lessons early in life make smarter kids, as well as stronger and safer kids. Now there is proof. Check out Dr. Robyn Jorgensen’s four-year research project on early swim lesson’s positive impact on kid’s education milestones in basic subjects: www.robynjorgensen.com.au/early-years-swimming. It is gratifying to see her professional and well-respected conclusion that swimming propels children ahead faster and further than parents realize. Dr. Jorgensen says, “The importance of learning to swim at a young age cannot be disputed. With accidental drowning being the leading cause of death in under-5s, it makes good sense for all young children to develop water safety skills from a very early age.”

Aquatics educators are in a rare position. We impact our students in an incredible way. AND we get to have fun while we do it! We also get to share our knowledge and experience through the US Swim School Association where we get to learn from the best of the best.

Thank you all for all you have shared with me. I look forward to growing myself, as well as helping children learn in a happy place.