About
I am a firm believer swimming is an excellent sport and necessary safety skill!
I have been teaching swimming for close to 8 years, and enjoy every second of it. I started with elementary age student and have slowly progress to be more comfortable with others. I am able to teach Mommy & Me up to senior fitness classes.
I have experience managing a swim school but enjoy working with students in the water so much more.
Teaching lessons is a plus for me. I am a full time career firefighter/EMT but I really missed working in the water.
I enjoy every aspect of teaching swimming! My favorite part is seeing my students triump a fear or tackle a skill that troubled them.
I also greatly enjoy learning along side my students; I love being challenged.
I have experience with differently abled students include those affected by deafness, blindness, cerebral palsy, partial paralysis and autism.
Highlights
Specialties
Access to pool
Goals
Comfortable in water
Experience level
Student age(s)
Lessons length
Photos and videos
Reviews
Andrea O.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I love starting with confidence and rapport building with new students. For some students, this means tackling a new skill immediately. Other times, I have students show me what they know, tricks and all. I also use first lessons to understand students' strengths and weaknesses.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been Red Cross Lifeguard certified as well as Rescue Swimmer (first responder) certified. Over the years, I have been trained in many styles of lessons/schools.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes.
One on One:
30 minutes - $50
60 minutes - $80
Group (2 or more students)
30 minutes - $35 per student
60 minutes - $50 per student
As of July 4th weekend I will have a person pool for lessons. I am located in Norwalk.
If I am traveling to you I do not charge for traveling under 20 minutes (on average; I will not up charge if there's traffic). For every 10 minutes beyond that it is $5.
I give every student 1 free late cancellation. Beyond that, the client will be charge in full for the unfulfilled lesson.
Tardiness is forgiven if I do not have lessons or other work events scheduled after. Clients have 2 options: complete the lesson time left to scheduled end time or pay for every 15 minutes beyond that time.
How did you get started teaching?
Throughout my childhood I was terrified of the water (surprise surprise!). My dad enrolled me in swim lessons at camp where I learned to tackle this fear. When I became a junior counselor we were out through the Red Cross Lifeguard course. That fall I applied to become a YMCA lifeguard, and occasionally covered lessons when need be. I found out I loved working with children, and really connected with those who were fearful or hesitant. Over time I went to other swim schools, learned different teaching styles, and expanded the age groups and disabilities I was comfortable with.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with almost every type of student under the sun. In the beginning I only worked with elementary children but have expanded to working with all age groups. (Mommy & Me up to senior lessons)
I also enjoy working with differently abled students. I have experience with students that are affected by deafness, blindness, cerebral palsy, partial paralysis, and autism.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Give everyone a few chances (2-3 lessons) before you find someone else. Exercises may seem silly initially but trust me, they are building muscle memory or confidence!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why do you want to learn to swim?
Do you have any fears or reserves about the water?
Have you had lessons previously? What worked? What didn't?
When we finish lessons, how do you expect to be different?