According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4. They recommend pools be fully enclosed with a self-locking gate as a prevention measure. However, the number one way to help prevent fatalities is through water safety education and swimming skills.
When Amber Moore needed swim lessons for her son, she quickly realized there were limited options in Mount Juliet. At the time, she worked as an occupational therapist fostering safety and independence in her patients. This passion combined with the need for more skilled and certified swim instructors lead her to make a career change in early 2022. Growing up, she swam competitively and worked as a swim coach so becoming an ISR instructor was a natural fit.
Infant Swimming Resource is the leader in water Self-Rescue® skills for children ages six months to six years. Moore explains that working towards ISR certification is quite extensive and comprehensive. After a substantial interview, she was accepted into the program which consists of shadowing lessons, six weeks of in-water training, and 80 hours of coursework. She was also required to learn anatomy, medical conditions, and developmental milestones for children. In addition, Moore had to master 50 safety protocols, which is what makes ISR the safest swimming lessons available.
As an instructor, Moore works with each student 1-on-1 at a private, heated pool. Skill progression starts with kids learning to hold their breath, then putting their eyes in the water, followed by kicks, and arms. While crying is a common concern, Moore is constantly monitoring for breathing, body temperature, and fatigue. One parent said “She is so patient and caring with my son. She seems very attuned to each student and their specific needs and pace, tailoring each lesson accordingly.”
Kiddo Swim offers lessons in Mount Juliet and Lebanon several times per year. Each session is 10 minutes a day, five days a week, for six weeks. Everything about ISR, including the schedule, is designed with the child’s development in mind. Lessons are short due to attention span and to prevent their bodies from becoming overtired. The frequency is structured so the child can immediately build on the progress made the day before. The schedule is a commitment, but parents can rest assured their child will be fully skilled at the end of six to eight weeks.
Summer swimmers are built in the winter. Sessions for new families will begin on October 16th and January 2nd. Learn more at kiddoswim.com.