My Mission

Tatiana Velasquez – Certified Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) Instructor

Hi, I’m Tatiana Velasquez. Originally from Colombia, I’m a former dentist turned passionate advocate for child water safety. Becoming a mother changed my life in ways I never expected, especially when I realized how crucial it was to invest in my son's safety. Living in Miami, where we’re surrounded by water – from pools to lakes to the beach – I knew that teaching my child water survival skills was a must.

When my son was just 8 months old, I enrolled him in his first water safety classes, and that’s when I discovered my true calling: helping save kids’ lives by teaching them how to survive in water. The mission of Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) – “Not One More Child Drowns” – resonated deeply with me, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that movement.

Now, as a certified ISR instructor, my mission is simple: to teach children the essential skills they need to survive in and around water. I’m committed to helping parents feel confident in their child’s safety, knowing that every lesson I teach could make the difference between life and death. I’m proud to be part of a global initiative that works tirelessly to reduce childhood drownings, and I’m excited to offer the life-saving skills that could change a child’s future.

In ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) lessons, your child will learn essential water safety skills that are designed to prepare them for potential emergencies, promoting both safety and confidence. Here’s what your child will learn in ISR lessons and what makes the program unique:

1. Water Safety and Self-Rescue Skills

  • Swim, Float, Swim Sequence: The core ISR skill involves teaching your child how to swim a short distance, roll onto their back to float, and then continue the sequence to reach safety. This self-rescue technique is the foundation of ISR’s approach and helps children stay calm and safe in case they fall into water.
  • Back Floating for Safety: The floating component of ISR training is crucial for helping children stay afloat in water without panicking. This skill allows them to rest and breathe while waiting for help or reaching safety, such as the edge of the pool.
  • Confidence in Water: ISR’s method emphasizes water confidence as children are taught to move through the water with control. This includes learning how to maintain a calm, safe position until help arrives or they can reach the edge of the pool.

2. Customized, One-on-One Lessons

  • Individualized Instruction: Each lesson is tailored specifically to your child’s developmental stage and physical abilities. This means your child will progress at their own pace, receiving personal attention from a trained ISR instructor.
  • Safe, Effective Learning Environment: Lessons are designed to be calm, structured, and focused on safety. Your child is introduced to water in a way that builds trust and gradually develops their abilities.

3. Gradual Skill Development

  • Progressive Learning: Children start by learning how to safely float on their backs and work up to swimming longer distances. The skills are built over time, ensuring that each step is mastered before moving to the next.
  • Focus on Competence: ISR places a strong emphasis on competence. Rather than simply focusing on fun, ISR teaches children to be capable and self-sufficient in the water, which leads to greater confidence.
  • Skill Retention: ISR’s approach ensures that children not only learn skills but also retain them. The skills they learn in ISR are intended to stay with them for a lifetime, giving them the ability to react appropriately in any aquatic environment.

4. Safety First, Always

  • Safety Protocols: ISR instructors are trained to emphasize water safety and emergency preparedness in every lesson. They ensure that children are equipped to respond to dangerous situations, such as falling into water, with a calm and effective reaction.
  • Parental Involvement: ISR encourages parents to stay involved and understand the lessons. This helps reinforce the skills at home and supports the child’s progress.

5. Lifelong Skills for Water Enjoyment

  • Foundation for Lifelong Confidence: The ultimate goal of ISR lessons is not just to teach water safety, but also to lay the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment in and around the water. As children become competent swimmers, they gain confidence to explore more advanced water activities safely as they grow.

In summary, ISR lessons teach your child crucial skills that emphasize safety, competence, and confidence. With its customized, one-on-one approach and a strong focus on life-saving techniques, ISR offers a unique and effective way to ensure your child is prepared to navigate water safely throughout their life.