FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I began Coaching City of Austin Swim Teams in 2008 and focusing on stroke refinement and endurance building in large teams. I became a Water Safety Instructor in 2008 and have since taught all levels of American Red Cross Swimming. In order to better serve those I coached I attained additional certification in 2010 as a Special Olympics of Texas Aquatics Coach. In 2014 I became an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor and still teach aquatics safety and management.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
If you have any pre-existing conditions, physical disabilities, or other concerns for your safety that you are unsure about swimming with, please seek the advice of a physician and be sure to inform your swim instructor. It is important to give any instructor you select an honest assessment of your current swimming experience level. Please be explicit about your comfort but also aware that learning to swim is a process of pushing your boundaries safely. It is important for your instructor to know so that they can prepare lessons and workouts at an appropriate level for you and what you want to achieve. It is vital your instructor understand what you want from your lessons. Cross training and learning all of the competitive strokes isn't always necessary. Don't waste your own time. Even a few, short lessons can help lifetime swimmers refine their style to be more efficient and boost endurance.
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Do you have a goal? Many individuals decide to learn to swim without a clear vision of what that is going to mean to them. The most successful students have a specific and achievable desire to work towards. Having a specific time you want to meet or stroke you want to refine is helpful in guiding your instructor towards using your time wisely.