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on swim lessons

The holidays are a time for giving, and few gifts are as powerful as the gift of safety, confidence, and joy in the water. This December, we’re excited to have launched our Swim for Hope Tree Fundraiser , a heartfelt campaign to sponsor private swim lessons for children in our community. Every donation helps a child learn to swim and every swim lesson is a step toward preventing drowning, building trust, and opening doors to a lifetime of confidence. Why This Matters Drowning is a silent tragedy. It’s the #1 cause of death for children ages 1–4 and the second leading cause of injury-related death for kids under 14 . Each year in the U.S., around 900 children lose their lives to drowning, a devastating number that doesn’t account for the thousands of nonfatal incidents that result in long-term trauma or medical complications. But here’s the hopeful part: Formal swim lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%. That’s why this fundraiser matters. And that’s where you come in. 100% of Donations Support the Hope Floats Scholarship Fund Every dollar you give through the Swim for Hope Tree goes directly to our Hope Floats Foundation Scholarship Fund . This fund helps us provide free or reduced-cost private swim lessons to children in our community whose families are experiencing financial hardship. We’re proud to be a Hope Floats partner because they share our belief that every child deserves access to lifesaving swim education. 💙 Click here to read more about our partnership with Hope Floats and why we joined this national mission. How the Fundraiser Works Giving is easy and meaningful. You can choose to sponsor: 💧 1 swim lesson 💧 4 lessons 💧 8 lessons 💧 Or donate any custom amount that works for you Each lesson is a 30-minute private session taught by one of our caring, certified instructors, designed to build real skills, water safety awareness, and confidence in the pool. 🖥️ The donation page is live now at givebutter.com/SwimForHopeTree 🎄 And very soon, our decorated Swim for Hope Trees will be up at all SLWM pool locations. Each tree will feature donation tags you can grab! It’s a simple way to make a difference right where you swim. Give a Gift That Lasts At Swim Lessons with Mary, we’ve always believed that swimming is more than a sport, it’s a life skill. It teaches kids how to breathe through fear, how to trust their bodies, and how to stay safe around water. This holiday season, we invite you to give the gift of swimming. Your donation doesn’t just help one child, it ripples outward, touching families, building stronger swimmers, and creating safer futures. Thank you for being part of our Swim for Hope Tree. 💙

When the weather cools and outdoor pools close, many families pause to ask: Do kids really forget how to swim over the winter? The truth is yes, swim skill regression is real , especially for younger swimmers who are still mastering the fundamentals. But the good news is that with consistency and jus t a little ongoing practice, your child can retain their confidence, safety, and skill year-round. Why Swim Skills Fade Without Practice Swimming is a complex blend of motor coordination, breath control, muscle memory, and confidence . For children, particularly those under age 7, these abilities are still developing. When lessons stop, it doesn’t take long for those hard-earned skills to slip. Common signs of regression include: Weaker kicking or arm coordination Hesitation or fear when reentering the water Difficulty floating or maintaining body position Loss of breath control or stamina Unlike riding a bike, swimming requires unique sensations and resistance that only happen in water. Without consistent exposure, children can lose not just skill, but also their ease and comfort in the pool. What the Research Says Scientific studies back this up. A 2022 review published in Frontiers in Public Health found that children’s swimming competence and water safety are strongly tied to regular, sustained practice and access to lessons , not just initial instruction. Children who stopped swimming for long periods were significantly less likely to retain essential safety and performance skills [ Frontiers, 2022 ]. Even more striking, one study reported that only 56 % of children could still perform five basic swimming skills 18 months after learning them , including floating, basic strokes, and treading water [ Frontiers, 2025 ]. In other words: nearly half of young swimmers lose measurable competence within a year and a half, simply due to time and lack of consistent exposure. Younger Swimmers: Consistency Is Everything For kids under 7, continuity in lessons is the single most important factor in long-term success. Their brains and bodies are still building the coordination and comfort needed for foundational skills like floating, breath control, and water confidence. When lessons pause for several months, these young swimmers often need to “relearn” skills that once felt easy. Keeping consistent lessons, even once a week, prevents setbacks, maintains comfort, and keeps safety skills strong. At Swim Lessons with Mary, we recommend year-round swim lessons for all young swimmers. The progress is smoother, the confidence is steadier, and the safety foundation stays solid no matter the season. Older Kids and Adults: Stay Sharp with Flexible Lessons More advanced swimmers like older kids, teens, and adults, generally retain their skills better. However, they still benefit from periodic practice and technique refreshers . Taking advantage of our flexible lessons helps maintain endurance, refine stroke mechanics, and keep safety instincts fresh. It’s a simple, effective way to stay confident without overcommitting during a busy season. At Swim Lessons with Mary, our flexible lesson option makes it easy to book occasional winter sessions, perfect for athletes, families with changing schedules, or anyone wanting to stay swim-ready year-round but does not have the ability to commit to recurring lessons. How to Support Swim Skill Retention You don’t need daily pool time to help your child retain their swim skills, just a consistent rhythm and positive reinforcement. Here’s how: Stay Consistent with Lessons: Weekly lessons help young swimmers maintain progress and prevent regression. Book Bi-Weekly or Monthly “Refresher” Sessions: Great for older kids or adults who need to stay sharp. Encourage Water Play at Home: Practice breath control and bubble-blowing in the bathtub or shower. Reinforce Safety Conversations: Keep pool safety rules fresh in your child’s mind year-round. Support Physical Coordination: Activities like dance, gymnastics, or martial arts improve balance and body control, skills that translate directly to swimming. The Bottom LineGe Swim skills don’t disappear overnight, but they do fade without practice. The research is clear: children need consistent exposure to water to retain both their ability and confidence . Younger swimmers, in particular, thrive when lessons continue throughout the year, while older or more advanced swimmers can maintain their progress with periodic, flexible lessons. If you want your child to start next summer strong, confident, capable, and safe, the time to keep swimming is now. Ready to keep your swimmer’s skills strong this winter? Get started today and give your child the confidence that lasts all year long.

Many parents reach out to us with the same concern: “My child is afraid of the water. Can swim lessons still work for them?” The answer is yes, and we specialize in helping nervous swimmers feel safe, supported, and successful. At Swim Lessons with Mary, we believe in building water confidence through trust, patience, and one-on-one attention. Here’s how we do it: Starting with Trust We never force progress. Instead, we start with small, positive experiences that help each swimmer feel comfortable. Sometimes that means sitting on the pool steps or simply playing with water toys on the edge of the pool. That’s okay! Building trust comes first. Working at your child's pace helps them feel more in control and allows them to build better rapport with their instructor. Private Lessons Make a Big Difference Our 30-minute private lessons are completely customized to your child’s pace, skill level, and comfort level. With lessons being just your swimmer and the instructor, we can adapt in the moment, reduce distractions, and focus entirely on what helps them feel calm and confident. Every lesson can look completely different, and that is the beauty of taking 1-1 lessons! Celebrating Small Wins We cheer for every milestone, no matter how big or small. Whether your swimmer blows their first bubbles, floats with support, or simply feels brave enough to leave the pool steps, each step forward is a big deal. When swimmers are nervous, it can take a lot of courage to try skills that may appear simple to others. This is why each new accomplishment deserves a big celebration! Focusing on Progress, Not Pressure Every child learns differently. That’s why our goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress. Over time, those small steps build strong swimmers who feel proud, capable, and safe in the water. While we often get asked: "How many lessons will it take for my child to learn to swim?" The answer is not quite so straightforward. Truthfully, everyone learns at a different pace! Factors like the swimmer's age, developmental milestones , fear level, current swim experience, learning style, and more can all play a role in how many lessons it will take for them to learn how to swim and be fully capable of self-rescuing. We always encourage parents to try out an 8-pack of lessons. Sometimes 8 lessons are all a swimmer needs, but by lesson 5 or 6 your instructor will be able to provide feedback letting you know if they recommend your swimmer takes additional lessons to reach important safety goals. Keeping Parents Involved After each lesson, your instructor will share how things went and offer tips for reinforcing skills at home. When kids feel supported by their grown-ups, it boosts their confidence in the water too. The bigger of a cheerleader you can be, both on and off the pool deck, the more empowered your child will feel! Why Fall & Winter Can Be the Perfect Time to Start Many parents don’t realize that cooler months are a great time to begin swim lessons , especially for nervous swimmers. Pools are often less crowded during fall and winter, creating a quieter, more relaxed environment. Fewer distractions and more availability make it easier for kids to focus, feel calm, and make steady progress. Plus, starting now builds skills and confidence well before summer swim season. Ready to Help Your Swimmer Build Confidence? If your child is nervous about swim lessons, we’d love to work with them! With a supportive environment and custom tailored 1-1 teaching, Swim Lessons with Mary helps turn worry into water confidence.

If you’ve been putting off learning to swim, you’re not alone and you’re definitely not too late. At Swim Lessons with Mary, we work with adult swimmers of all backgrounds: those facing lifelong fears, those chasing a new goal, and those who want to take their skills to the next level. Whether you're stepping into the water for the very first time or refining your freestyle stroke, you're welcome here. Our private, 30-minute swim lessons are tailored to your comfort level and goals. What to Expect at Your First Lesson: At your first adult swim lesson, you'll receive a warm, pressure-free welcome from your instructor in a calm, supportive environment. Every lesson is one-on-one, designed to meet you where you are. If you're a beginner, we might start with the basics like breath control, floating, and getting comfortable in the water. If you're more experienced, we can focus on refining technique, building endurance, or working on specific goals like stroke mechanics or swim efficiency. You set the pace, and we follow your lead, no pressure, no judgment. What to Bring to Your First Lesson: A well-fitting swimsuit (one-piece or trunks, whatever feels most secure). A towel and a change of clothes. Goggles (optional, but helpful if you're working on face-in-the-water comfort or stroke technique). A swim cap (optional, especially useful for long hair). Flip flops or sandals for walking on the pool deck and locker room. An open mind and willingness to try. You don’t need to be perfect, just present. Common Worries (And Why You Can Let Them Go): "I'm afraid of deep water." → We stay in the shallow end until you're ready. No pressure, ever. "I never learned as a kid. Is it too late?" → Not at all. Many of our adult clients are beginners. Our oldest was in her 70s when she first started! "I don't want to look silly." → No one looks silly taking control of their safety, confidence, and health. "I already know how to swim, but I feel slow and uncoordinated." → We can help you polish your strokes, build endurance, and swim more efficiently. Why Fall Is a Great Time to Start: Fall is the perfect season to focus on learning something new! With cooler weather and emptier pools, now is a great time to prioritize your goals in the water. Plus, starting in the fall sets you up for major confidence and progress by next summer. Learn more about the benefits of fall swim lessons in our related post: Start Early, Swim Strong: The Perks of Fall & Winter Swim Lessons Ready to Begin? Learning to swim as an adult doesn't have to be about doing laps. It’s ab out feeling comfortable, gaining control, and unlocking new experiences like snorkeling, paddleboarding, going to waterparks, and so much more! Every lesson is a step toward that. Come as you are. Bring your goals, your fears, your courage. We’ll meet you there. Get started today!

At Swim Lessons With Mary, our mission is simple: to empower families with safety and confidence around water through fun, focused, and effective private swim lessons. This year, we’ve been blown away by the generosity of our community and the support of national organizations that share our passion for water safety. We’re proud to announce a major milestone in our journey, thanks to a powerful partnership and a generous grant, more families than ever will be able to access life-saving swim lessons. Here’s how it’s all happening: Partnering with Hope Floats Foundation In March 2025, we officially joined forces with the Hope Floats Foundation , a nonprofit dedicated to saving lives by providing scholarships for swim lessons to children in financial need. The foundation partners with high-quality swim schools like ours to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills, no matter their background or financial situation. Through this partnership, we’re proud to offer need-based scholarships to families across our service areas, including Greenville and Spartanburg, SC, and Charlotte, NC. These scholarships help cover the cost of lessons so children can gain confidence and skills in the water that could one day save their life. We are honored to stand alongside Hope Floats in this vital mission and incredibly thankful to everyone in our community who has helped make this possible. To learn more about our partnership check out this blog post . Stepping into the Future with Step Into Swim This summer, we received a generous grant from Step Into Swim , a national initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. Step Into Swim is focused on one thing: creating more swimmers and saving more lives. Through strategic funding, the organization empowers swim schools across the country to provide free or low-cost swim lessons to children who may otherwise go without. Their mission deeply aligns with ours, and we’re beyond excited to receive their support. This grant enables us to expand our scholarship offerings and reach even more families who need access to critical swim safety education. We’re proud to join a network of changemakers who are committed to reducing drownings and promoting lifelong safety in and around water. Fundraising Success & What’s Coming Next None of this would be possible without YOU, our incredible community of families, instructors, and donors. This past May and June, we hosted our first-ever fundraising initiative: Swim for Hope. Thanks to the commitment of our instructors, and the generosity of our donors, we raised an incredible $1,600 for our scholarship fund. That money is already helping to put swim lessons within reach for children who need them most. We want to give a huge shoutout to our team for going the extra mile and to everyone who gave from the heart. Your impact is real, and it’s already rippling out across our community. But this is just the beginning. We’re currently planning two exciting new fundraising campaigns and we can’t wait to share the details soon! Think fun, creative, and full of heart. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss the big announcements! Ready to Dive In? Whether you’re a family looking for support or a community member looking to give back, there’s a place for you in our mission. Apply for a scholarship: hopefloats.foundation/apply-for-assistance Make a donation: givebutter.com/SWIMLESSONSWITHMARY Follow along for fundraising announcements and stories from the pool: Instagram | Facebook Together, we are building stronger swimmers, safer families, and a community that believes in the power of giving back. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Summer is all about fun, but did you know that playtime in the water can also be a great way to build confidence and reinforce swim skills? At Swim Lessons with Mary, we love turning learning into laughter. Whether you're in the pool, at the lake, or at the beach, here are a few of our favorite water games that secretly strengthen swim fundamentals: 1. Treasure Hunt Skills practiced: Breath control, underwater swimming, diving How to play: Toss a handful of dive toys or rings into shallow or mid-depth water. Swimmers race to retrieve as many as they can in one breath. For beginners, start near the surface and slowly increase difficulty! Get dive toys here 2. Kickboard Races Skills practiced: Flutter kicks, straight legs, endurance How to play: Give each swimmer a kickboard (or pool noodle if that’s more fun) and race from one side of the pool to the other, no arms allowed! Try different styles like dolphin kicks, frog kicks, or flutter kicks for variety. Get a kick board here 3. Red Light, Green Light (Pool Edition) Skills practiced: Listening skills, body control, breath coordination How to play: One person stands at the end of the pool and calls out “Green light!” (swim forward), “Red light!” (stop and float), or even “Yellow light!” (slow motion swimming). Sneaky practice for stopping and floating, an essential safety skill! For beginners who are not able to float or swim independently yet, utilize tools like noodles, kickboards, or swim backpacks when playing Get a swim backpack here 4. Swim & Sing Skills practiced: Breath control, rhythmic breathing How to play: Have kids hum a song underwater while everyone else listens and tries to guess the tune. This silly game helps them practice breath holding and exhaling slowly when submerged, a key to staying calm in the water. 5. Shark in the Water Skills practiced: Treading water, quick starts, agility How to play: One player is the “shark” and others try to swim across without getting tagged. If tagged, they become a shark too. It's active, exciting, and great for building confidence in deeper water. 6. Simon Says: Swim Edition Skills practiced: Following directions, trying new swim movements How to play: Play classic “Simon Says,” but make it water-themed! Examples: “Simon says blow bubbles,” “Simon says float like a starfish,” “Simon says kick like a mermaid.” Great for all ages and confidence levels. 7. Jump & Climb Challenge Skills practiced: Safe entry, turning to the wall, independent exit How to play: With an adult watching closely, have your swimmer: Stand at the pool edge and practice a feet-first jump into the water. Once in, turn around right away and swim back to the wall. Climb out using proper technique, elbow, elbow, tummy, knee." Optional: Set a timer and try to beat their own best time or count how many smooth rounds they can do in a row. This builds essential safety and it's also a fun way to burn energy and build confidence! 8. Animal Rescue Mission Skills practiced: Surface swimming, breath timing, hand-eye coordination, returning to safety How to play: Scatter several floating animal toys across the pool. Your swimmer’s mission: rescue one animal at a time and bring it back to the “safety zone” (the wall or a floating bin). For added fun: give them a time limit, (“Rescue as many as you can in 2 minutes!”), use a toy net or have them scoop with one hand only, or narrate a mini-story as they go: “Oh no! The duck is drifting, quick, bring it back to safety!” This game helps to encourage swimmers to move with purpose, practice breath control, and reinforce the habit of always returning to the wall. Get rubber ducks here Keep It Safe, Keep It Fun! All these games are meant to be played under adult supervision, in safe, shallow areas unless your swimmer is already confident in deeper water. Make it a family challenge or turn it into a playdate! Want more tips or a custom game for your swimmer's level? Just ask us, we love helping families build confidence through fun. Ready for more structured progress? Book a private swim lesson or join our waitlist to secure a recurring spot!

Water can be both a source of joy and a significant hazard, especially for children with autism. While many kids are naturally drawn to water, children on the autism spectrum face heightened risks due to factors like wandering (also known as elopement), sensory-seeking behaviors, and challenges with communication. Understanding these risks and taking proactive steps can be lifesaving. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children with autism. According to the National Autism Association , children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than their neurotypical peers. This staggering statistic underscores the critical need for heightened water safety awareness and measures. Wandering is a significant concern. The Autism Society reports that 49% of children with autism attempt to elope after age 4, with 74% of these incidents occurring from the child's home or someone else's home. Given that children with autism may be drawn to water, these wandering incidents can quickly become dangerous. Why Water Is So Appealing and Risky for Children with Autism Many children with autism are drawn to water due to its sensory qualities like the way it feels, sounds, and moves. However, this attraction can be perilous. Children may not recognize the dangers associated with water bodies like pools, lakes, or even bathtubs. The National Autism Association notes that children with autism may go straight to water regardless of its temperature or type, including ponds, lakes, fountains, rivers, canals, and even wastewater. How Swim Lessons Can Save Lives Early and consistent swim lessons are a vital tool in preventing drowning. The National Autism Association emphasizes the importance of enrolling children in swimming lessons as early as possible, noting that for children with autism, additional considerations include wandering prevention. At Swim Lessons with Mary, we specialize in private, adaptive swim lessons tailored to each child's individual needs. Our instructors are trained to work with children on the autism spectrum, and create a safe, supportive environment where every child can learn at their own pace and build lifelong water safety skills. Our instructors focus on: Building trust between the instructor and the child Using visual aids and clear, consistent communication Creating a structured routine to provide predictability Celebrating small milestones to build confidence Our mission at Swim Lessons with Mary is to instill safety, build confidence, and make learning to swim a positive experience for every swimmer. Water Safety Tips for All Families Here are some actionable steps to enhance water safety for children: Install Protective Barriers : Ensure pools and hot tubs are fenced with self-latching gates that lock. Use pool and hot tub covers when not in use. Use Alarms and Visual Aids : Install alarms on doors, windows, and pool gates. Use visual aids like stop signs to reinforce boundaries. Supervise Constantly : Always have a designated adult supervising children near water. Distractions can be deadly. The National Autism Association advises that more eyes do not equal more protection; assign one responsible person to watch your child at all times. Educate Through Social Stories : Use social stories and visual schedules to teach children about water safety and the importance of staying with a trusted adult. Practice Water Safety Skills : Regularly review water safety rules and practice safe behaviors in and around water. We're Here to Help Water safety is a critical concern for families of children with autism. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, like enrolling in specialized swim lessons, you can make a significant difference in your child's safety and well-being. If you're interested in learning more about our adaptive swim lessons or have questions about water safety, please contact us or book a lesson today.

We’re thrilled about our brand-new partnership between Swim Lessons with Mary and the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Greenville, SC ! This collaboration brings together our signature one-on-one swim instruction and the Kroc Center’s top-tier facilities, offering families an outstanding place to learn, grow, and thrive in the water. 🤝 A Shared Mission: Excellence, Access, and Community At Swim Lessons with Mary , we believe swimming is a life skill every child and adult should feel confident in. Our private, personalized swim lessons are designed for all skill levels, ensuring focused attention, faster progress, and a safe, supportive environment. The Kroc Center shares this mission of empowerment. Founded on the values of The Salvation Army, the Kroc Center is a vibrant hub for recreation, education, and community connection—open to people of all backgrounds. 🌟 The Vision Behind Kroc Centers The Kroc Centers began with one woman’s extraordinary vision. Joan Kroc , philanthropist and wife of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, once toured a San Diego neighborhood and saw a community in need of a safe, welcoming space—a place where children could thrive through access to sports, arts, and mentorship. She dreamed of a world-class facility filled with opportunity and hope, calling it a "beacon of light" for the community. She entrusted $90 million to The Salvation Army to build the first Kroc Center in San Diego. So inspired by what that single center achieved, she left an additional $1.5 billion in her will—ensuring that similar centers could be built in underserved communities across the country. Today, 26 Kroc Centers stand across the U.S., each one a living legacy of Joan Kroc’s dream to uplift and empower. 🏊♀️ Why the Kroc Center? Located in downtown Greenville, the Kroc Center offers a wide range of modern, thoughtfully designed amenities that make it the perfect home for our swim program. Their facilities include: 25 meter x 25 yard Short Course Competition Pool (80–82°F) Recreation Pool with Water Features and Water Slide (80–82°F) Multipurpose Gymnasium for basketball, indoor soccer, volleyball, and more Fitness Center with 50+ cardio machines, weight room, and indoor track Group Fitness and Cycling Studios 400-Seat Performing Arts Theater Four Community Rooms for meetings, classes, and events Child Watch for 2 hours for members from 8-12 Mon-Thurs and 3-7p Thurs. 11-15 year olds can do orientation with their parents to be able to use the fitness center. 2 hour guest passes so you can enjoy the Kroc Center before committing to a membership! These outstanding resources not only support physical wellness but foster creativity, connection, and community—everything Joan Kroc envisioned. Check out more member benefits here! 💧 What This Means for You Thanks to this partnership, Swim Lessons with Mary is now offering our private 1-on-1 swim lessons at the Kroc Center's exceptional aquatic facility. Whether you're completely new to swimming or looking to fine-tune your technique, our lessons are: Personalized to your swimmer's individual needs and goals Flexible with scheduling to fit your lifestyle Conducted in a high-quality, well-maintained aquatic environment 📍 Join Us at the Kroc Center We’re proud to bring our expert instruction to a space that values inclusion, wellness, and community. Come experience it for yourself! 📌 Visit the Kroc Center at 424 Westfield Street, Greenville, SC 29601 📞 Call (864) 527–5948 📧 For more information about membership, click here! For swim lesson inquiries, reach out directly to Swim Lessons with Mary through our website or social media. Let’s make a splash—together. See you at the pool!

When it comes to water safety, visibility is everything. Whether you're at the beach, a lake, or the local pool, brightly colored swimwear can make a life-saving difference. High-visibility swimwear isn’t just a fashion choice—it’s a smart, simple, and effective way to help keep kids safer in and around the water. Reduces the Risk of Accidents and Drownings While swimming itself is a fun and healthy activity, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. A child might slip, get disoriented, or find themselves in a dangerous situation in the water. High-visibility swimwear reduces the time it takes to notice if something is wrong, lowering the risk of accidents and drownings. Whether your child is in a pool or an open water setting, having a brightly colored swimsuit can be a lifesaver in those crucial moments. Enhances Visibility in Open Water In natural water bodies like lakes, rivers, or oceans, conditions can change quickly. Waves, currents, or the vast expanse of water can make it hard to keep track of children, even if they’re close by. High-visibility swimwear is especially important in these environments. Bright colors stand out against the water, allowing adults, lifeguards, or other beachgoers to spot children from a distance. This extra visibility provides crucial time to intervene if something goes wrong, whether it’s a child drifting off course or encountering difficulties while swimming. Supports Lifeguards & Parents Lifeguards have the responsibility of monitoring swimmers to ensure their safety, especially in crowded environments. High-visibility swimwear makes it easier for lifeguards to spot children from their towers or while patrolling the area. In case of an emergency or if a child is struggling, the ability to quickly spot a child in distress is critical. High-visibility swimwear helps ensure that lifeguards are aware of your child's location, allowing for quicker response times. Likewise, for parents who are multitasking—applying sunscreen, organizing snacks, chatting with others—this swimwear provides some extra peace of mind by making it much simpler to spot your child and ensure they’re safe and accounted for. A Simple and Effective Safety Measure The beauty of high-visibility swimwear is that it’s a simple and cost-effective measure that can drastically improve safety. Brightly colored swimwear is easy to wear and provides immediate results in terms of visibility. It’s an affordable, low-effort safety measure that delivers real results—an easy win for any parent or caregiver. Combines Safety with Fun The best part? Bright doesn’t have to be boring. These swimsuits often feature vibrant colors, bold prints, and favorite characters that kids love. When children feel good in their swimwear, they’re more likely to enjoy their time in the water, and when they’re confident, they swim and play with greater ease. Conclusion: Prioritize Safety Without Sacrificing Fun High-visibility swimwear is a simple yet powerful tool that helps children stay visible and safer in and around the water. It can improve response times in emergencies, support lifeguards and parents in supervision, and reduce the risk of accidents—all while letting kids express their style and have fun. But visibility alone isn’t enough. It’s important to remember that high-visibility swimwear should be used as one part of a broader water safety strategy. Constant supervision, swimming lessons, use of life jackets when appropriate, and knowing the swimming environment are all essential safety measures that should never be overlooked. Think of high-vis swimwear as an added layer of protection—not a replacement for attentive parenting, trained lifeguards, or proper safety equipment. You can learn more about the five layers of protection here . So before your next trip to the pool, lake, or beach, gear up with bright swimwear and a full safety plan. Together, these precautions help ensure a fun, confident, and—most importantly— safe experience for every child in the water.

At Swim Lessons with Mary, we’re proud to announce our new partnership with the Hope Floats Foundation , an incredible organization dedicated to empowering underserved communities through the life-changing skill of swimming. This collaboration is more than just a partnership—it’s a mission to make a lasting impact on individuals and families, offering them the opportunity to thrive both in and out of the water. What is the Hope Floats Foundation? The Hope Floats Foundation is a non-profit organization that collaborates with high-quality swim schools to offer scholarships for swimming lessons to children from low-income families. The organization funds its efforts through partnerships with individuals, businesses, and foundations that are committed to making a positive impact in their communities. These scholarships and tuition assistance help ensure that children who may not have the financial means can access swim lessons.. Through their initiatives, they focus on ensuring that people of all ages can experience the life-saving and confidence-boosting benefits of learning how to swim. Their goal is to reduce the number of drownings and increase water safety awareness, particularly in communities where these opportunities are limited. Why Does This Partnership Matter? At Swim Lessons with Mary, we’re more than just about teaching people to swim. We believe in the power of swimming to transform lives—building confidence, promoting a life long sport and most importantly, saving lives. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children 4 and under, and we are passionate that water safety is for all and are expanding our reach and impact. Swim Lessons with Mary is the only swim school in the Upstate partnering with the Hope Floats Foundation to offer scholarships to the community. One of the primary benefits of our partnership is that we’re helping make swimming lessons accessible to children and adults in underserved communities. Many families in these areas don’t have the resources to access swim lessons, which means that many people grow up without the necessary skills to be safe in and around water. This partnership enables us to offer scholarships to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity. Water safety is often an overlooked skill, yet it’s essential in preventing drownings. The Hope Floats Foundation shares our belief that everyone should have access to water safety education, regardless of their background or financial status. What’s Next for Our Partnership? We are incredibly excited about the future of this partnership. In the coming months, we will be hosting fundraising efforts and additional opportunities to get involved. Our goal is to provide as many swim lesson scholarships as possible and continue to spread the message of water safety and empowerment to those in need. Together with the Hope Floats Foundation, we’re not just teaching people how to swim—we’re giving them the chance to make waves in their own lives. How Do I Get Involved? If you’re inspired by our mission and want to support the cause, there are plenty of ways to get involved! Whether you’re interested in donating or simply spreading the word, every bit of support helps us bring these important opportunities to those in need. Stay tuned for more updates and information about how we’re working together to make our community a safer and more empowering place—one stroke at a time. We hope this partnership inspires others to join us in making a difference, because together, we can create a future where everyone has the skills, confidence, and opportunity to thrive in the water.











































































































