What's New
Spring 2007
TexasAquatots, Dallas
Infant Aquatics is pleased to announce the addition of another instructor to our group of professonals. Jennifer DeLaCruz, an artist and mother of two, will be teaching survival swimming in the Bedford /Euless area, serving Ft. Worth, Southlake, Arlington, and other parts of Tarrant County. This is the first time that Infant Aquatics has been offered in Tarrant Co., and we are very excited to have Jennifer on board. Please check out her bio page.
Fall 2006
Colorado, Georgia, and TexasInfant Aquatics, Boulder
Aquatic Specialists of Atlanta
Aquatots, Dallas
In October, Infant Aquatics Professionals Nadyne Siegel-Brown, Judy Heumann, and Bev Steinfink, RN, attended a meeting of the World Aquatic Baby Congress in Portland, Oregon. Co-ordinated by internationally known baby swim innovator Jackie Young and USSSA past-president Steve Graves, this meeting was a tribute to Virginia Hunt Newman, founder of the WABC and its driving force for many years. Virginia attended all of the sessions (despite failing health). The highlight of the conference' was a dinner in her honor aboard a yacht that took the participants sightseeing on the river in beautiful, downtown Portland.
Some of the presenters in attendance were Lana Whitehead of Swimkids, Mesa, Az; Ed Pemberton, of Adventure Swim School, Knoxville, Tn; Sharon Crowley, Aquaventures, Vancouver, BC; Judy Watts, Australia; Nell White, South Africa; Eugenie Enge, Norway; Niko Saito, Japan, and DaveDubois, New Zealand. We learned about infant swimming around the world, and even had a session on working with special needs students.
The WABC is an organization whose purpose is to bring together swimming instructors of children under the age of 3 years to share ideas and experiences. This enables us to constantly update our programs to provide the best instruction based on the experience of worldwide experts utilizing the most current research available. Next year's 9th International WABC Conference will be held Oct. 21-23, 2007 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Fall 2006
ColoradoInfant Aquatics, Boulder
The newest addition to our staff is Cynthia Longo. Cynthia assisted with Aquababies classes this summer and trained with Judy during September and October to become certified to teach infant aquatic survival. Since then, she has been extremely busy teaching new students and running Fundays too. Cynthia is the mother of two boys (ages 4 & 6) who learned to swim with Kyla last summer after a frightening water accident. Hopefully, having another certified instructor teaching new students will eliminate the two month waiting list for private lessons. Welcome Cynthia!
Winter 2006
UtahSwimkids, Sandy & Holladay
Angie Brooks from southern Oregon recently completed her training with Liz Walker to become the newest Infant Aquatics instructor. Angie got involved with the program last spring when she began bringing her 9 month old daughter to lessons. Angie worked as a dental assistant and tutored autistic children before she became a mom. She decided to make a career change that would allow her to continue working with children and afford her flexible hours to spend with her own family. Angie will be teaching in Draper, Utah during 2006. She plans to relocate back to Bend, Oregon in 2007 and bring her teaching skills to the children of that area. Angie has a zest for life and will be a great asset to our team!
Fall 2005
Infant Aquatics Teachers take part in National Conference
October, 2005: Bev Steinfink, Liz Walker, Nadyne Seigel-Brown and Judy Heumann attended a four day conference in Houston, Texas, hosted by the United States Swim School Association. The conference started off with a bang, with Ritch Davison speaking about new ways to unify staff and make swim schools a more fun place to work. A full day was devoted to infant toddler workshops, (a new move for the association), followed by sessions on marketing, innovations in toys and equipment, child development, teaching students with disabilities, conducting mom-tot classes, and a talk from Nordstrom's Dan Alvarez on customer service. Of course, the infant toddler teachers found time to get together and formulate new ideas for their own classes and events, and to come up with new ideas for registration, data base compilation, and handling referrals from other schools who use the same or similar methods of instruction. Round table discussions at lunch provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and a great time was had by all at the closing banquet.
There appears to be a growing trend within the association towards teaching the back float, and many schools are also teaching rollover breathing. Infant Aquatics instructors are having an impact on the industry as more and more schools are realizing that back floating is a very valuable skill for a young child to attain.
Next fall we will be meeting in San Diego, and we are already thinking of new ideas to improve our programs.The group Teaching Infants and Toddlers to Swim is planning a regional meeting in Phoenix in the spring.
Spring 2005
ColoradoInfant Aquatics, Boulder
Kyla Heumann is undergoing extensive training to become certified as an Infant Aquatic Survival instructor. Kyla, a former competitive swimmer and a senior at CU, is familiar to and admired by many Infant Aquatics families for her expertise in teaching strokes to 4-6 year olds. Kyla is now ready to accept the challenge of teaching unskilled babies and children the techniques which her mom has been developing for over 30 years. Needless to say, Judy is thrilled that Kyla will be conducting private lessons and Aquababies group classes at Ocean First Divers during the summer months.
Winter 2005
TexasAquatots, Dallas
Beginning in January, Aquatots, teaching infant aquatic survival, will now be available in Dallas at the Texins Activity Center, on the Texas Instruments campus, (south campus at LBJ). Aquatots will add a new dimension to TI's aquatic classes, which includes a swim team and water aerobics. Taught by Bev Steinfink, an RN with almost 20 years of experience teaching babies and training instructors, the new location will bring aquatic survival classes to more Dallas area families. Aquatots is very excited about their new relationship with Texins Activity Center,and Greg Treadway, it's aquatics director.
Summer 2004
ColoradoInfant Aquatics, Boulder
Breaking with tradition, Infant Aquatics is offering summer lessons for the first time in Boulder, courtesy of Melany Ubel. Melany, an instructor in Weld County, is teaching at Ocean First Divers this summer which allows Judy to have her summer break without interrupting lessons for children in Boulder County. Thanks Melany!
Georgia
Aquatic Specialists of Atlanta
In response to overwhelming demand for lessons in the Atlanta area, Nadyne Siegel-Brown is training Stephanie Rochereau. Stephanie, a mechanical engineer, was born and raised in France. She writes, "I want to bring this program to my area and, who knows, maybe one day back to France. I am excited to be part of something I consider very important."
Spring 2004
ColoradoInfant Aquatics, Boulder
Mai Hemard recently completed her training with Judy Heumann. A single mom with a two year old daughter, Mai has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has been a bio-mechanics instructor for 12 plus years. Becoming an Infant Aquatics instructor will allow her "to instill survival skills in the water by means of teaching, empowering and inspiring confidence." Mai will bring Infant Aquatics to the Englewood/South Metro area of Denver. Welcome Mai!
Florida
Southwest Aquatics, Orlando
Infant Aquatics welcomes Katja Borosch as one of our newest members. Katja received her formal training at Southwest Aquatics in Orlando. Katja's school, "Kinder Swim Inc." is located in Brandon, Florida, just a couple of miles east of Tampa. We are happy to have Katja teaching in the Sunshine State!
Texas
Aquatots, Dallas
Bev Steinfink is training Cindy Clark as a new instructor for the North Texas area. Cindy is a mother of two, and was introduced to infant aquatic survival when she enrolled her 13 month old son in lessons with Bev. She was so impressed with his skills that she decided she wanted to teach other children these lifesaving techniques. Cindy writes "My goal is to provide families in the North Texas area access to results oriented swimming instruction, advancing from water safety to a lifetime of aquatic enjoyment." We are glad that Cindy has chosen to join our growing family of instructors.
Fall 2003
GeorgiaAquatic Specialists of Atlanta
Margie Herman recently completed training with Nadyne Siegel-Brown in Atlanta Georgia. Prior to becoming an Infant Aquatic Survival instructor, Margie was a licensed dental assistant. She recently returned to school to earn her degree and will soon graduate from Valdosta Technical College in Accounting and Business Management. Margie is excited to be able to bring the Infant Aquatics program to her hometown of Valdosta in 2004.
Summer 2003
ColoradoInfant Aquatics, Boulder
Strokes n' Floats is a new program designed to encourage stroke development in accomplished 3-5 year olds. These once a week group classes combine the elements of beginning freestyle and backstroke with the fun equipment used in FUN FRIDAY classes. This class serves as a transition between FUN FRIDAY and formal Stroke School and is the ideal way to introduce strokes to our pre-school students.
Stroke School is going strong with over 30 children mastering the butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. Our advanced students are learning to dive and even conquering the flip turn. At their latest meet, these 5 & 6 year olds not only competed in the 25 yard back, breast, fly and free, several won medals in the 50 yard free and one even accomplished the 100 yard individual medley. Judy is watching their progress with great pride. Way to go!
Utah
Swimkids, Sandy & Holladay
Liz Walker is pleased to introduce Amanda Millerberg, who completed her training in July of 2003.
Amanda is currently teaching in The Woodlands and Spring, Texas areas. In addition to teaching swimming she also teaches preschool at an established program in The Woodlands.
Along with her Infant Aquatic Survival training, Amanda holds an associates degree in Pre School Education and a bachelors degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. She is married to Spencer Millerberg. We are delighted to welcome Amanda to the Infant Aquatics group.
Spring 2003
ColoradoInfant Aquatics, Boulder
A demanding spring season for Judy Heumann has resulted in the addition of two outstanding new instructors to the Infant Aquatics network. Melany and Todd Ubel gained knowledge and expertise while working with over one hundred of Judy's students this spring. It was exciting to watch their transformation from parents of Judy's swimmers to highly skilled instructors.
Melany and Todd combine their teaching abilities with their parenting skills to provide each student a gentle, but firm approach to acquiring aquatic survival skills. The Ubels will be bringing their skills to families in the northern Colorado area.
Winter 2003
ColoradoInfant Aquatics, Boulder
It's been a year of growth for Infant Aquatics in Boulder. During the summer of 2002, Judy Heumann fulfilled a long-time goal of extending her students' stroke capabilities with the addition of a comprehensive Stroke School. Coached by mature, former competitive swimmers, Stroke School swimmers build on the skills and comfort previously acquired in IAS lessons and FUN FRIDAY. Once they master freestyle and backstroke, they then progress into butterfly and breaststroke, using the techniques of core swimming. They are truly learning to "swim like fish".
Last fall, Judy was named director of Boulder Swim Team's pre competitive group. IAS swimmers are now being exposed to the world of competitive swimming! Over 30 children are participating in Stroke School, and many have actively competed in USS swim meets. How exciting to see the skill and confidence of these 4, 5 and 6 year olds. In October they debuted at the Halloween Splash, and in January, they attended the Polar Bear Meet, swimming the 25 yard freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and even the 50 yard freestyle!
Judy writes:
"The relays were a little wild, but it's been a learning experience for all. Technique is improving every week, and most importantly, the kids are having a blast. It really makes me nostalgic to watch these incredible swimmers and recall their first lessons as infants and toddlers. WOW, you've come a long way, BABY!"
Georgia
Aquatic Specialists of Atlanta
In recognition of their leadership status in aquatics in the Atlanta community, management of Discover Mills invited Aquatic Specialists of Atlanta to host a morning of water safety awareness on January 18, 2003. The festivities began with the Piccadilly Puppeteers and their rendition of the life of a pacific salmon. The salmons encountered many perils and helped the public learn how to be safe in the Ocean. The Red Cross was present to promote CPR training for all caregivers. They brought their 7 foot whale to do the swim and hokie-pokie with all the children and to help teach the do's and dont's of pool safety. But the highlight of the morning was the special guest appearance of Atlanta Braves catcher Javier Lopez.
Nadyne Siegel-Brown writes:
"Javy is a great believer and promoter of water safety, and we are honored to have him as our spokesperson. He has two boys, both of whom I had the pleasure of teaching. Both boys are excellent swimmers and are still active in our program. In fact, the oldest is a Summer League Gold Medal winner. We are all very proud of how far he has come. Three years ago he was terrified of the water; now he competes in swim meets. We also feel very fortunate to have both Javier and his wife Analy supporting our efforts to make children safer in the water. They both realize the importance of teaching children survival skills at an early age.
Hundreds of people had a great time. They were particularly awestruck by our new video showcasing our skillfull students. There were lots of door prizes and, to the delight of the audience, Javy stayed to sign autographs. We hope to have another Water Safety Awareness Day in the spring. We are indeed fortunate to be considered a resource to our community. Hopefully we can help make a difference."
Texas
Aquatots, Dallas
This winter in Atlanta, GA, two expert instructors have teamed up to work on apprentice training techniques, and perfecting drills designed to teach the 4-6 age group stroke skills to prepare them for competitive swimming. Using the newest advances in core swimming addressed at the latest conference for infant/toddler teachers, Nadyne Siegel Brown and Bev Steinfink are attempting to adapt these techniques to younger swimmers by using their knowledge of child development to facilitate age appropriate advanced learning for their students. Areas addressed were new developments in teaching freestyle; backstroke progression, including flipping the arm and rotating the body, as well as a detailed segment on teaching butterfly to younger students. Many of the students in Atlanta go on to swim teams like the Titans in Duluth. This initial training is invaluable for future stroke development.
We are preparing to welcome a new instructor in Katy, Texas. A nurse and mother of four, this new instructor decided to apprentice in April and become the newest member of the Infant Aquatics team. Her children all learned survival skills, and now swim like fish, including the youngest who is only three. We welcome any inquires from people who would like to apprentice to become an instructor. This method is rapidly growing in popularity throughout the United States and we are delighted that parents are realizing the importance of teaching their children to survive and swim at a young age. Bravo Texas!
Utah
Swimkids, Sandy & Holladay
Liz Walker is pleased to announce she is currently training a new instructor, Alba McGowan, who plans to begin teaching in the Salt Lake area in the spring of 2003. Alba recently returned from Europe where she lived for 4 years. She holds a degree in dentistry and was a practicing dentist, working primarily with children, until the birth of her own children, ages 5 and 8.
Alba writes:
"My children have enjoyed the benefits of this great swimming program, and I am looking forward to bringing it to my community."
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