WHO WE ARE

We teach swimmers how to do it right from the first lesson forward. Designed by experts in aquatics education, we focus on efficient technique as our basis - from proper breathing at the beginning all the way through productive kicking, stroking, and streamlining. Efficient swimmers are fast and safe in the water.

In the mid 1980’s, swim coaches in the United States faced a growing issue – young athletes were joining their teams without basic swimming skills. Coaches were doing their best to provide basic instruction, but there was no system available that would help make the process work efficiently. The novice groups of many teams were becoming swim lessons.

The American Swimming Coaches Association recognized that something had to be done.

At about the same time, Vivian Jacobson went to the administration of ASCA with a simple plea – the swimming community in the United States must do a better job of training children how to swim so that they are safer around water. The drowning rate, although progressively going down since the turn of the century, was still too high. She argued that by teaching the most basic swimming skills, the drowning rate could be cut significantly. 

The administration of ASCA believed that by teaching children good technique from the first class, they would not only be excited enough about swimming to join a team, they would also be as safe as possible around water. The idea of SwimAmerica was born.

In 1987, the ten founding educators of the program were brought together by ASCA to create a curriculum that would not only teach children how to swim in the shortest amount of time possible, but teach them good technique so they would move as efficiently as possible through the water. The SwimAmerica team wanted children to learn to love the water, because if you love something, you will not be afraid of it.

It was decided that the curriculum would use easy to understand skill levels presented through the station method. This method rewards success, with the novice swimmer moving to the next level only after completing the necessary skills in the station they are in. Unlike other programs, the levels were skill, not age, based. The desire to learn and improve was built into the program – the more you succeeded, the better you swam, and the farther you would want to go. 

A technique-oriented, goal-driven program was born. 

We'd like to say we have succeeded with our program. Since 1988, we are the fastest growing Learn-to-Swim program in the world today. We have programs all across the United States and in over 15 countries all over the world. Not to mention, we have a "recommendation/referral" ration from our existing clients of over 96%!

Coach David Robertson

Legendary coach of New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois. David is credited with being the inventor of the station teaching method. Coach Robertson, while retired, divides his time between Orlando and Michigan, and is still active in USS and local swimming affairs, and regularly checks up on our SwimAmerica™ progress! Over 40 years’ experience in Aquatics.

Coach Dave Beaver

One of the most successful early California Coaches, Dave coached the San Leandro Beavers for many years and was an innovative and highly successful owner of his private swim school for many years. Coach Dave Beaver passed away in 1999.

Coach Dick Hannula

The winningest coach in high school swimming history, Dick has always taught learn-to-swim programs within the school system and the parks department of his hometown of Tacoma, Washington. Dick is retired from the school system, but still actively coaching the Tacoma Swim Club. He is an author, and regularly contributes to ASCA, NISCA, and SwimAmerica™ publications. Closing on 50 years of active work experience in Aquatics.

Coach June Woolger

A preschool swimming expert, June is still active as the Head Coach of the Plantation Swim Team in Plantation Florida. Over 35 years of experience.

Vivian R. Jacobson

Vivian is perhaps the foremost authority in the world on teaching recreational swimming in the United States & Israel. She brought her expertise to SwimAmerica in the importance of breathing integrated with movement for efficient non-resistant distance swimming.

Coach Mark Schubert

The winningest coach in USS history, Mark Schubert has conducted learn-to-swim programs in every club program that he has coached. A superb businessman, Mark brought many ideas to the Implementation Committee.

Coach Rick Klatt

Coach Klatt had extensive experience marketing learn-to-swim programs in both YMCA and High School settings, as he worked with the Implementation Committee.

Coach Celine Cerny-Long

Coach Cerny-Long, as a very young coach at the time, originally proposed both the concept of SwimAmerica™, and eventually, the name. She was an invaluable member of the Implementation Committee.

Coach Mike Stromberg

One of the best swimming promoters in our sport, Mike is Head Coach at The University of North Dakota and offered extensive experience in growing Aquatic Programs in smaller communities.

Coach John Leonard

ASCA Executive Director, sat with both committees and acted as secretary and facilitator, and then was charged with putting the program into operation.