Why I teach ISR

Teaching is my passion!

I have been blessed for over 20+ years to call myself an ISR Instructor! Teaching your littles is a honor and watching them learn and master self-rescue skills is a true gift!

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Miss Ellen's Story

Becoming an Aquatics Specialist and ISR instructor came unexpectedly at a time in my life when I was searching for something new. Teaching now, for over 20 years has become my passion! I have met and become close with so many incredible families and am grateful knowing that they trusted me in teaching their littles this incredible life skill!

I started my career, with my master's in social work, in Nursing Home Facilities. I was helping people deal with the "end of life" stage. When unexpected changes came up, I was forced to pivot and find a new path.

By chance, I found my long-lost love of teaching and became a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor.

When an aquatic position opened up, I jumped at the opportunity! I became a Certified Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, and American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (Stroke skills and beyond).

ISR came after a near drowning in our community. I was trained and have been blessed to be teaching for over 20 years! I cannot express how teaching has changed my life and how knowing how many children have become little mermaids/mermen because of lessons, fills my heart on a daily basis!

I cannot picture my life without these little ones coming to me daily! I love each and every one and work with their unique personalities to make sure they are successful!

Fun Facts:

I am originally from NY. Lived in Maryland for University. Lived in Israel for 4 year and got married there. I moved back to NY with my husband where we lived for 5 years before moving to Palm Beach Gardens in 1999. I have 2 grown children. I speak fluent Hebrew and am trying to re-learn Spanish!

FAQs

Do parents have to leave during the lessons?

No. You are truly the best cheerleader your child could have. Your positive support and encouragement are invaluable to creating an effective learning environment for your child.

How is it that babies can learn to respond to the danger of water when they fall in?

A baby does not need to perceive danger or be afraid to respond appropriately to being underwater. If a baby has learned to roll over and float when he needs air, he doesn't need to perceive danger in order to respond in this manner. He needs skill, practice and confidence to calmly deal with the situation.

How can you teach babies and young children to swim?

ISR instructors teach infants to swim by honoring each child's individual strengths and experiences. They understand the fundamentals of the behavioral sciences, child development and of sensori-motor learning as it relates to the acquisition of aquatic survival skills; they use this education to guide each child through the sequence of learning to swim and float.

Is it the baby fat that makes them float?

Actually, the primary factor in a baby’s ability to float is the ability to take air into the lungs. To maintain this access to air, the child must adjust his/her posture. The difference in positioning for an adult can be inches. For a baby, this adjustment is reduced to centimeters. If a child’s body posture is just a few centimeters off, it can make the difference between the face being submerged or the child having access to air.

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