Swim Warriors

Hello! I'm Claire! Water has always been a big part of my life. My mom signed me up for swimming lessons before I was even born. Our next door neighbor had a pool and she understood the importance of early swimming. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know how to swim. 

 

I taught my first swimming lesson in 10th grade as part of my PE class. We were paired with kindergartners and I can still remember how much I enjoyed it. That was almost forty years ago and teaching people to swim still feeds my soul.

 

I've taught thousands of people of all ages how to swim. I specialize in helping people who have a fear of the water. I teach using lots of positive encouragement and praise, with lots of songs and games and plenty of patience. It's a gift to share the journey of helping a child go from crying about getting in the water to crying about getting out of the water. 

 

I have bachelor degrees in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. During the school year, I work as a paraprofessional in a special needs classroom. 

 

I've been married for 31 years and have been blessed with three sons. Water is a big part of our family life. My boys enjoy skiing, wakeboarding, snorkeling, swim team, dive team and water polo. 

 

I was on the swim team for my high school and college. While I am not a fast swimmer, I can swim for a long distance. I continue to swim for exercise and enjoyment. In 2019, I swam a 5k and a 10k. I also enjoy kayaking (especially with my dog). 

 

I am certified in CPR, AED, and Pediatric CPR.  I have been certified as a WSI and Lifeguard multiple times in my career. 

 

I have been teaching for so long that I am now teaching the children of children that I taught. One of the best compliments I have gotten is a former student who became an instructor because she had so much fun learning how to swim. 

 

It is truly a blessing to have a life long impact on the people I teach. I am so grateful to be a part of the Swim Warriors team!