What You and Your Little Ones Can Expect
Lessons
ISR lessons are one-on-one and designed around your child’s own pace and development.
ISR lessons are short but powerful—10 minutes a day, 4–5 days a week, for about six weeks. Research shows that this one-on-one, focused approach is the safest and most effective way for infants and young children to learn survival swimming. Lessons are customized for your child, taking into account their physical and emotional development and any prior time in the water, so every child can progress confidently and safely.
Lesson Structure
Parent Participation and Education
ISR lessons aren’t just for kids—parents learn a lot, too. From start to finish, parent education is a vital part of the program. You’ll receive an ISR Parent Resource Book and a Family Aquatic Safety List to help you create a safer environment for your child. And of course, your support and enthusiasm as your child’s biggest cheerleader help them thrive in the water.
For infants as young as 6 months, lessons center on helping them learn to roll onto their backs, float comfortably, rest, and breathe. This skill allows them to stay safely afloat until someone can reach them.
Lessons for Infants
Lessons for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Young Children
For toddlers, preschoolers, and young children, lessons center on teaching the swim–float–swim sequence. Kids learn to swim with their heads down, roll onto their backs to rest and breathe, then continue swimming. These skills work together to help your child reach the side of the pool or water’s edge so they can climb out or stay safe until rescued.
Connect
Once you’ve done some research on ISR and feel ready to enroll in the program, please feel free to contact me. I’m more than happy to answer any questions you may have and provide additional details about the program. Your understanding is important, and I look forward to assisting you as you take this important step forward.
Choose A Session
I offer four sessions each year, one in the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Sessions are for 6 weeks (new students who have never taken ISR lessons), 3 weeks for refresher students (students who have graduated and need skill adjustments), and maintenance lessons (student who come back once a month).
For the 2026-2027 year, sessions will be as follows:
Fall Session:
October 5-November 13
Winter Session:
February 8-March 19
Spring Session:
May 10-June 18
Summer Session:*
June 21-July 30
*summer session will be held
in Carnation
Summer Refresher Session:
July 12-July 30
(in Lake Stevens)
Registration
When you’re ready to register, I will email you information about session payment as well as information about ISR program registration. Please note that part of the enrollment process requires registering directly through ISR. ISR will ask for medical information about your child so I can provide the safest lessons possible. This process can take 2–3 weeks, so please complete it well before lessons begin. I will not be able to start lessons until ISR has confirmed that your child is approved.
After ISR registration is complete and your child is on the schedule, lessons can begin!
Once your child finishes their first 6-week program, we suggest signing up for either Maintenance Lessons—a 1–2 week tune-up to keep skills sharp—or Refresher Lessons, which run 3–6 weeks and help your child learn new skills.
Have a Pool or Access to One?
If you own a pool or have access to one, consider hosting ISR lessons at your location. Offering lessons in more locations throughout the area helps save lives in your community—and as a thank-you, hosts receive a free 6-week ISR session.
To qualify for ISR pool use, the pool must:
Maintain a temperature between 84–88°F
Be cleaned and properly maintained (regular pH and chlorine checks)
Be available 4–5 days per week for 6–8 weeks during the lesson period
Start Your Child’s Safe Swimming Journey Today!
Find out more about how Ruth can help your child become a safe, confident swimmer!