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 you have children that just can’t learn the skills?

No. Every child can learn. It is my job to find the best way to communicate the information so that it makes sense to the child. I set your child up to be successful every time you bring them to me. I start where they are and through consistent lessons, we see progress.

Will my child fear the water because of lessons?

There is an important difference between being fearful and being apprehensive because you are not yet skilled in a new environment. ISR is not like traditional swim lessons; it is a drowning prevention program that teaches survival swimming. Sometimes as a parent, you make choices for your child’s safety, like sitting in a car seat, because you know they are important. The same can be said for ISR. Fun can be defined as when skill meets challenge. Once competent in their skills, many children cannot be dragged away from the pool. They are having entirely too much FUN.

How do you teach them to hold their breath?

Breath holding skills are taught beginning with the first lesson. We shape breath control using highly effective positive reinforcement techniques. We continue to reinforce these breath-holding techniques throughout every lesson.

What is the American Academy of Pediatrics position on swimming lessons for young children?

The AAP encourages parents to consider that starting water-survival skills training at an early age must be individualized, based on the child's frequency of exposure to water, emotional maturity, physical limitations and health concerns related to swimming pools. You can view their policies and suggestions through the AAP website here: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at- play/Pages/Swim-Lessons.aspx

Teaching is my passion!

Miss Ellen's Story

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