What Parents Have to Say
At Water Safe Swim, we’re passionate about helping swimmers of all ages build confidence and stay safe in the water. Our swimmers and their families have experienced incredible transformations, from overcoming fear to mastering new skills. Hear directly from them about how Water Safe Swim has made a lasting impact on their lives.
We also share harrowing stories of survival. Please scroll down to read the powerful stories of Daniel's Mom & Stella's Mama, who were faced with the unthinkable. Through unimaginable challenges, they have turned their pain into purpose, sharing their experiences and ensuring that no other family has to endure the same suffering. Their strength and resilience serve as a source of hope, reminding us all why water safety is so critical.
Testimonials
Our son began his water skills lessons with Miss Julie when he was just over a year old (2021). We knew it would be hard to watch at first, but as new homeowners with a pool and time spent around water environments, we also knew it was a life-saving investment. To this day, I tell everyone it is the best money I ever spent.
Miss Julie fully prepared us for what to expect during the lessons. She gave us every resource and tool to make sure that the lessons were successful, and eventually fun. Our son was learning to float within a few lessons - he was learning the skills necessary to save his life.
Miss Julie guided us so well in making sure that we kept swimming fun, safe and engaging between lessons. We started to look forward to the swim days and watching other families, too. As parents, we were also learning a lot about water safety and accident prevention. Despite our best efforts, the first of several water mishaps occurred when he turned two years old. We were gardening around our pool when I turned around to see that he had fallen in - it was literal seconds. He was fully clothed and turned himself over, started floating and crying. It was a wake-up call for all of us – accidents happen, and they can be quick and quiet.
As we all got comfortable in and around the water, we visited a family member whose pool was not gated. By now, my son was three years and full steam ahead. While excitedly chasing their dog around the pool, the dog turned around and bumped my son in. This time, he swam to the side of the pool and got out. He wasn’t happy but he wasn’t scared – he knew what to do. Family members were both relieved and amazed, and as a mother I felt immense pride knowing that Miss Julie had equipped him with the skills to survive (and that neither of us were panicked). Fast forward to today and our son has so much confidence and joy around the water. He has never used a flotation device to swim and has generalized his skills in many environments. We are so thankful for our time with Miss Julie and the incredible lifelong skills she taught our son.
- Jennifer M.
Miss Julie has worked with all three of my daughters. She not only taught them the invaluable skills of the swim float, but also gave them confidence in the water from a very young age. As a family with a pool, we knew we had to equip each of our kids with the ability to save their own lives if they ever ended up in the pool without supervision. My youngest, Hattie, proved to me that toddlers can do anything they put their minds to. I caught her at the young age of 3 years and 7 months old opening our Protect-a-Child pool fence. She’d taken the bathroom stool we had for her to reach the sink outside and was able to open the fence all on her own. Thankfully, I caught her in action and was able to stop her from heading into the ‘protected’ pool area. It showed me that even with proper precautions, accidents can still happen. That was one of the many moments I felt grateful for Miss Julie and each of our daughters’ Water Safe Swim skills.
- Kelli C.
Where do we start with Miss Julie and all that her swim program entails, other than it was one of the smartest investments we’ve ever made!
We became part of the Water Safe Swim family in spring of 2021. Our twins were 10 months old and our oldest daughter was almost 2. Meeting Miss Julie and seeing her interact with our three girls eased our nerves and allowed us to quickly see the gentle, yet consistent approach of her program. Throughout the 4 week session, we watched our girls go from dreading the water, to becoming comfortable and able to maneuver into a back float and/or swim to the edge of the pool in ease.
Due to Miss Julie’s work with our girls, we felt more comfortable with them being around pools under adult supervision. Knowing that they would know what to do if any of them ever fell in, since it just takes a second for a drowning to occur. We believe to this day, this program saves lives and is a proactive approach to maintaining safety for the entire family.
We love Miss Julie and love seeing her work within our community. Hundreds of families have been touched by her work and heart for children, including ours. She forever and always will be a dear friend to our family.
- Desiree M.
We had an incredible experience with Tiffany. From the very beginning, Tiffany was calm, patient, and so kind—everything you hope for in someone teaching your child such important life skills. Before Kensley even turned two, Tiffany had already helped her gain confidence in the water and learn essential survival skills.
What really stood out to us was Tiffany’s unwavering patience. Even on days when Kensley wasn’t in the mood or had a bit of attitude, Tiffany met her with understanding and encouragement, never forcing but always guiding. She created a space where Kensley felt safe, supported, and proud of her progress.
We’re so grateful for Tiffany and the positive impact she’s had on our daughter. We truly couldn’t have asked for a better swim teacher and can’t wait to book again!
- Brittany S.
Miss Julie teaching swim safety to our kids at a young age has offered our family lifelong benefits for our two daughters. Starting early not only gave them confidence in the water but also instilled a strong sense of safety and awareness. Now, as members of a swim team, they stand out as strong swimmers who were some of the youngest to compete. While they know how to have fun in the pool, they always prioritize safety, whether it is swimming in the pool, being at the lake, or jumping off a fishing boat into the lake. Though it is only one layer of their safety when it comes to the water, Miss Julie has been instrumental in the foundation of our little fish, and we are forever thankful for her and the lessons that she has taught them about water safety.
- Mike & Christie F.
Any time I hear parents are interested in swim safety, I ONLY recommend Miss Julie. She worked wonders for my daughter's confidence and ability to stay safe in the water.
My daughter was 2 years old when she started with Miss Julie, she is now 5 and can swim the length of our pool without stopping. She can float, hold her breath, do flips and twists, all without any life jacket or floaties.
We wouldn't be able to have such amazing summer memories without these lessons, truly. I am so thankful every time I am around any body of water that we did these lessons!!
- Andrea H.
Our family is so grateful for our time spent with Miss Julie. She had such love and patience while teaching our boys. The skills they learned will help our boys for their entire lifetime. They not only learned how to save their life, but to LOVE being in the water. Our family has peace of mind knowing our kids are confident in the water.
- Brittany M.
Thank you Julie, you truly are an amazing person. Thank you for teaching my granddaughter how to save herself. She would have drown when she fell in the pool. GOD knows how long she was there, she was crying and floating around. She was so very young, not even 2. Thank you my friend.
- Leah K.
I’m so thankful I put both our boys in Water Safe Swim with Julie! As a parent it’s the most reassuring feeling knowing that your children can turn over, float and get to the edge of a pool if needed. She makes the whole experience fun for the kids. She follows up with swim days where kids can come back and play with her in the pool and she can reinforce good technique. Julie truly cares for the safety of our children around water and has a heart for the community.
- Samantha M.
He fell in the deep end of the pool and I was right there cleaning it. He grabbed onto the side immediately. I was fearful his boots would fill and pull him down. I pulled him out. Carson fell in yesterday while he was at my parents and still knew what to do. Thank you so much!
- Megan K.
Thank you so much for the calm you gifted us around water. It has brought our family so much fun. Even our extended family loves to watch Dom swim in the pool. We have so many great memories around water because of the skills you gave all of us. We feel it has been worth every sacrifice to see his confidence that pools and water are enjoyable instead of stressful.
- Tori G.
Miss Julie has been a part of our family for the past 7 years. It all started with Gloria learning to save her own life. I was telling Miss Julie today that I still remember Gloria’s first day. She seemed to hate it and cried/screamed the whole time. On the way home I called one of my best friends who reminded me to take a breath and to remember that I was doing this to help protect Gloria because as hard as it is to watch her scream the alternative would be worse.
Now fast forward 7 years and not only did Gloria continue to see Miss Julie each year but Ariana and Tomas both had lessons as well. They also learned to save their own lives (in the event its needed) which we hope they never have to put their skills to use but we know they are prepared. Miss Julie not only empowered our babies but gave Travis and me peace of mind.
It’s bittersweet that today was our final goodbye, but I am also happy that we no longer need Miss Julie’s services as she has set them up for success and built confidence in our kiddos that will last a lifetime. 7 years ago, I was unsure, nervous and if I’m being honest a bit scared…but today as we say goodbye I am a firm believer and supporter of water safety. Thank you for educating families like ours about safety in and around the water.
- Monica P.
That won’t happen to me… A thought that’s crossed my mind, and I’ve even said aloud a time or two. You can hear about a tragedy or miraculous event and believe that won’t happen to me, but in a matter of seconds it can.
- Daniel's Mom
Meet Daniel
It was a crowded pool party on a hot day, with many adults and kids present. My husband, 3 kids and I went swimming as soon as we got there, the two younger ones (2 & 4 years old) wearing floaties. My youngest, Daniel, “swam” pretty well with his floatie on, and he loved being in the water. After an hour of pool play with lots of good friends, my husband got out of the pool with Dan to eat lunch, took the floaties off, and dried off with towels. I followed shortly after with the girls. Before heading for the buffet table, my husband went to throw a diaper away while Daniel waited for the girls and I to get out. The girls and I dried off and headed for food, knowing the boys had already gone that way.
A couple minutes later, a seven-year-old boy who was swimming in the pool saw Daniel in the water, on the bottom of the pool, under a bunch of floating pool toys, and yelled for help getting him out. I didn’t realize what was happening until moments after hearing someone yell to call 911. I walked over towards the commotion to see this small, blue child on the ground, my husband over him beginning CPR. It took me a few seconds to realize this was my child, and even then, I was in disbelief.
That was the worst day of my life, and I knew there was a chance we may not get him back. As my friend embraced me tightly and prayed for a miracle, I was falling into total despair.
It was probably a minute, maybe two, feeling like eternity, when my sweet friend holding me exclaimed, “He’s awake! He’s awake!” I jumped up quickly to be see him, and although awake, Daniel was very lethargic and vomiting.
I was extremely relieved and grateful that he was alive, but felt we weren’t out of the woods yet. The fire department and paramedics arrived shortly after, and because we were in an isolated location (a long drive to any hospital) they airlifted my son and I to UC Davis.
We stayed overnight in the emergency department under observation, and praise God, Daniel is alive and well. He is thankfully, once again, a happy, healthy two-year-old boy. That isn’t to say there haven’t been lasting effects. Learning how to swim now has some barriers, and it was hard to hear him yell, “I’m drowning!” during a few of his lessons. I’m grateful for the progress he’s made and the things that I’ve learned through this experience. Water Safe Swim is truly worth every penny, every minute, as soon and as young as you can start your child, because seconds absolutely matter.
Meet Stella
My name is Kaitlin Casado and I’m a wife, sister, daughter, aunty, and, my favorite title of all, Mama. My husband Ronnie and I are high school sweethearts and have been married for about 8 years. I was a freelance court reporter for 10 years and my husband a carpenter for 18 years. In 2019, we were blessed with our beautiful, healthy, perfect baby girl, Stella James. She was a happy, busy, feisty girl, always trying to keep up with her cousins. Life couldn’t get much better for us as a family.
On February 6th, 2021, our lives tragically changed forever. Stella found her way to the pond on our property. Our vibrant full of life child now lay lifeless and we thought we lost her. As they continued CPR and working on her by the grace of God, Stella’s heartbeat was back. Little did we know the road that lay ahead for her and us. Our 20-month old had survived a non-fatal drowning resulting in an anoxic brain injury. The doctors left us with very little hope for Stella, but we chose to look to the Ultimate Healer for her recovery. We decided before leaving the hospital that there was no stone we would leave unturned in trying to get our girl back.
For almost 4 years we have traveled all over the United States, from New Jersey, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, Florida & many parts of California, seeking the best doctors and professionals who believe in Stella and her recovery. I’m no longer court reporting as I am Stella’s full-time caregiver. With being a caregiver comes many more responsibilities than just getting to be Mama. I physically do everything for Stella every day. I am her voice and her biggest advocate. Stella is currently primarily G-tube fed, so I cook and blend all of her food to ensure she’s getting the best vitamins and nutrients to help her body and brain heal and grow. Aside from all the every day needs a medically complex child has, I also do her in-home therapy, which, to name a few, ranges from physical therapy, light laser therapy, and hyperbaric chamber dives.
My reasoning in sharing Stella’s story and our journey is twofold. First, it is to advocate and spread awareness about water safety and the importance of having multiple layers of protection when it comes to water. From gates, locks, alarms, supervision and, most importantly, teaching your child life-saving skills for when they have found their way to the water, despite your multiple layers of protection. The leading cause of death in children aging 1 to 4 years old is accidental drowning. And yet, so many families and parents do not know about these resources that could potentially save their child’s life. Please, I beg you, give your child the skills they need to save their lives!!
Second, my reason for sharing is HOPE. We were left with very grim and heartbreaking advice from the doctors after Stella‘s accident. I am so grateful to God and the families who reached out to us, who had gone and were going through similar experiences. Those that told us to continue praying and fighting for Stella‘s life while holding tight to our hope that she would heal. It is because of our unwavering faith and hope in Stella’s healing journey that she has come so far. She has far surpassed the things the doctors said she would never do. She is an absolute miracle and continues to show us every day what a mighty warrior she is! Never lose hope!