Leah Thaggard – Owner
Hello, I have been an educator for over twenty years. Currently, I teach 2nd grade, and I was honored to have been chosen the 2018-2019 Mississippi V.F.W. Teacher of the Year for the elementary division. During the summers, I have a passion for teaching children swimming lessons and survival lessons. These survival lessons are essential to me because of our friend, two-year-old Gracie. In 2001, Gracie crawled out of her crib, opened the door, crossed the street, pushed open a gate, fell into a neighbor’s pool, and drowned.
Would your child know what to do in a situation like the one described above? Gracie was a victim of the “silent killer.” Not only do I urge you to teach your children to swim, but also to make sure pool gates are closed and very secure. Swimming lessons are NOT a guarantee your child could survive in any situation, but it certainly increases their chances. When my three-year-old son fell into our pool, I knew he must learn to swim, despite his fear of the water.
Although I had been a school teacher, lifeguard, and swimming lessons instructor, I did not know that children this young and afraid of the water could be taught to swim until I met Ms. Lou. She shared her swimming technique with me, and it works! Now, using her approach, I’ve taught countless children to swim, some as young as three months. I also realized that most swim instructors do not teach water safety skills, saving lives. As a school teacher and mother, I added my twist of safety and storytelling. As elementary school teachers, we teach our students to stop, drop and roll if they are on fire, yet we talk very little about water safety. As a parent, it is your responsibility to learn this. For children between the ages of 1 to 5, the leading cause of injury-related death is drowning! I have taught numerous children over the years whose sibling drown. Some children never whimper or cry during lessons, but others do because of their personalities. If your child is under age four, someone needs to participate (the pool is heated), so the concepts can be reinforced when swimming after lessons are over. I will teach you how to continue to work with your child, and you will be amazed by the end of the summer. If you bring a young child to lessons, put a flotation device back on them and never practice; they will forget. Children that are upset will usually “give it up” by Wednesday. I have done this for over 20 years, and it’s something about Wednesday. Around 90% are successful after lessons, but those strong-willed children will sometimes need two weeks.
I will be honest and tell you that I usually have a few parents who quit for strong-willed children who don’t like the water to get their face wet. I am old school, and of course, the child wants to stop, but who is the authority? All you have to say is, ”because I said so!” Guys, we are not talking about learning to ride a bike. If I thought the children would act the same on Monday and Friday, I would not waste my time or your money. If you are not sure your child could survive after falling into the water, know safety if someone gets on their back, or know what to do if they see another child struggling, I recommend these lessons!
Kat Thaggard
Class Instructor
My name is Kat Thaggard, and I am a junior at The University of Alabama studying Psychology on the pre-med track. At UA, I serve as an official ambassador of the university and work for the President’s Office. I have taught swimming lessons with my mother since I was eight years old. My mom taught me herself, so it has always felt natural for me to lead by her method. I’ve loved teaching children to swim since I was a little girl. Water safety is so important because every child can learn to swim. In all the years I have taught with my mother, I haven’t seen a child who couldn’t swim on the fifth day. I am so excited to be back teaching with my family this summer!
Brand Thaggard
Class Instructor
Hello, I am Brand Thaggard, and I am a recent graduate University of Alabama. Currently, I am working on my master’s. Growing up with a pool and lake in our backyard has always made me mindful of water safety. My mother had me swimming before I can remember. She has taught me the value of learning to swim at an early age. Swimming is a great activity, but safety should never become overlooked with any fun activity. We strive to teach children to swim and how to survive. I’m excited to be home for the summer working with my family, as well as at McDonald’s in Oak Grove.
Lauren Powe
Class Instructor
Hello, hello! My name is Lauren Powe and I am a senior in the speech pathology program at The University of Southern Mississippi. I have been swimming for as long as I can remember, and aquatics has always been a huge part of my life. I have been Lifeguard, CPR, and WSI (Water Safety Instructor) certified since 2017. Swimming is such a rewarding and fun pass time activity, but can often become dangerous quickly. Almost all water-related accidents are preventable, which makes water safety so important and relevant to our everyday lives. It is never too late or too early to learn how to be safe and have fun in the water. Everyone should feel comfortable and safe in the water; and I am so excited to help be a part of that journey!