Welcome to ISR with Coach Katie!

Hello, I'm Katie Smith, your Certified ISR Instructor based at the Live Like Jake pool on 10311 Ironwood Road in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. As a proud ISR Instructor since 2009, safety and skill development are at the core of my lessons. My extensive background in aquatics allows me to help my skilled ISR students progress to stroke development and even snorkeling!

With more than 30 years in aquatics, I am committed to providing a nurturing and customized learning experience for your child. Whether your little one is just beginning their aquatic journey or seeking to refine their skills, I strive to create a safe and enjoyable environment to build confidence in and out of the water. During certain times of year, limited slots are also available for travel lessons in Tequesta, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and North Palm Beach.

I look forward to connecting with you and learning more about your little one soon!

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FAQs
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
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.
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.
I hear you say your priority is survival skills. Will my child learn to actually swim?
Yes. At ISR, we believe that part of survival for a child who can walk is swimming. Children learn the swim-float-swim sequence so that they could get themselves to safety. The difference in our program is that they will learn swimming AND survival skills and how to be an aquatic problem solver.

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