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

Why do you have the children swim in clothes?

Because 86% of children who fall in the water do so fully clothed, we want our students to have experience with such a situation. If a child has experienced the sensations of being in the water in clothing prior to an emergency situation, he/she is less likely to experience panic and be able to focus on the task at hand. If you have ever jumped in the water with clothes on, then you know that there is a significant difference in weight and feel with clothes as opposed to a bathing suit.

Can you really teach a child who is not verbal how to swim?

Yes. Consider that children learn to sit, crawl and walk before they learn to speak. Because we teach through sensori-motor learning, verbal skills are not required for a child to acquire Self-Rescue skills. We are able to communicate with our students through touch and positive reinforcement while striving to set our students up for success every step of the way.

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.

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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