Our guest speaker on Friday, February 23rd was Danielle, the Founder of Sno Swim Lake Stevens. Danielle is a former special education teacher who believes that swimming is a basic life skill especially when we live in a place with so many water sports opportunities.
Danielle is originally from Colorado where was introduced to the water at only six weeks old. When she turned 5, she joined the local swim club where she swam with until she was 10 years old. Danielle swims in Lake Stevens year around so keep an eye out for her on the Lake.
Danielle started teaching swimming at age 14. She commented that the Red Cross states that there are five skill sets that are needed to be able to swim. They are: 1) Step or jump into the water over your head, 2) Return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute, 3) Turn around in a full circle and find an exit, 4) Swim 25 yards to the exit without stopping, and 5) Exit from the water. If in a pool be able to exit without using the ladder.
Danielle has a Master's degree in special education and has been in education for ten years. This experience has given her even more tools to reach those who struggle to learn or are looking to overcome a fear. Her goal is to have 70 classes per week. And, she doesn't use googles for her swim lessons. Right now she has a waiting list of over 450 families. She usually does two swimmers at a time. Her special needs kids waiting list isn't as long.