At just 25 years old, Shacara Shaw is making waves in the world of swimming instruction. Her private business, Stay Afloat Fearlessly, caters to clients of all ages and abilities, from six-month-old infants to an 81-year-old adult. Shaw's passion for water safety and her ability to connect with students have earned her a stellar reputation in the industry.
“I work with any and everyone, including clients who have disabilities, whether physical, mental, or both,” she said. Being a private swim instructor allows Shaw to focus on the individual needs and goals of each client. “That’s something I always like to highlight when introducing someone new to my business.”
Shaw has even built a name for herself beyond Henderson. “I travel a lot and have clients all over the United States,” she said. Outside of the Las Vegas Valley, one of the main cities she teaches in is Chicago, where she is originally from. “I developed a love for swimming at a young age,” she said. “In my teenage years, I attended the South Side YMCA and became a lifeguard there when I was 16.”
Shaw says that obtaining certification in CPR/first aid is a straightforward process with several reputable organizations, such as the Red Cross, offering training. “For those involved in aquatic activities like swimming, certifications in water safety are available,” she said. “Given my experience working with swim companies, maintaining these certifications is essential for ensuring safety standards are met.”
After graduating high school, Shaw attended Florida A&M University, earning her bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a minor in architecture. Even with her degree, she realized her true passion and launched her business. “I came up with the name Stay Afloat Fearlessly because not only am I a private swim instructor, but I’m also a financial coach.” With her dual profession, Shaw helps clients stay afloat in their personal and financial journeys.
"As a private instructor, I like seeing someone start from being so fearful to swimming confidently,” she said. “One of my first clients, who was three years old, made me realize how good of an instructor I was. She used to scream at the top of her lungs because she didn’t like the water, but within six weeks of instruction, she could swim about 25 yards without me being in it.”
Shaw first gained experience working with children as a lifeguard and has loved it ever since. “It's so interesting because I have been an only child for 21 years,” she said. “I was never around young kids until my younger sister was born. Children gravitate to me, which makes teaching them how to swim so easy. It makes the parents of my clients feel at ease too."
When giving swimming lessons, Shaw's main goal is getting clients to understand and use survival skills in the water. “Floating on your back is my first approach,” she said. “It’s the safest position to be in.” Learning how to float on your back is an energy-efficient way to stay afloat and helps clients develop a proper stroke technique. Shaw also includes other methods in her instruction, such as developing stamina, proficiency, and health.
Through Stay Afloat Fearlessly, Shaw is not only teaching essential survival skills, but also instilling confidence in her clients. Whether it's a three-year-old overcoming their fear of water or an adult with disabilities learning to swim, Shaw's approach is tailored to each individual's needs. With her affordable prices and commitment to safety, Shaw, who can be reached at 708-315-1788 or safearlessly@gmail.com, is making waves in the world of swimming instruction and empowering people of all ages and abilities to conquer the water.
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"I work with any and everyone, including clients who have disabilities.”