Tina Baron

Master Instructor

 

My name is Tina Baron. I am the married mom of three amazing humans. Prior to the birth of our last child I was a Regional Manager and Training Director for a National Retailer. I left my retailing position to be a stay at home mom.

Personally, I know that tragedy can occur quickly and silently. My daughter Allie nearly drown in a backyard pool in 1996. A Labrador Retriever jumped in behind, then 16 month old Allie, barked and swam in circles until someone came to help.  The repercussions of that near drowning have forever changed my life.  That day we were the fortunate ones. Every day there are families that have stories without a happy ending. At that point I knew swimming lessons were not optional.   I began researching swimming programs and enrolled my children immediately and watched them fall in love with the water.

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In 2000 I trained to teach survival swimming through an organization called Infant Swimming Resource. The training was rigorous  and included intensive academic  and  in-water physical training.  The academics included the study of child-oriented psychology, physics,  physiology  and  behaviorism . I have furthered my training with additional certifications (see below) and continue to grow as instructor by attending workshops, seminars and annual symposiums.  

 

I am proud to partner with the Joshua Collingsworth Foundation, " Josh the Otter" to educate children in water safety. I do this both in and out of the water. I am always available to our community to offer "story times" and talks at libraries, and schools  on the importance of water safety (geared toward toddlers and preschoolers).  Through the generosity of clients and donors I have been able to offer swimming scholarships to several families in need in East Seminole County.  I have also worked with Orange County and the Head Start program to provide lessons to underprivileged children through A Gift of Swimming at Southwest Aquatics.  It has been a great joy and humbling experience to provide a life skill to children that may not otherwise be able to afford it.  

 

 Certifications include:​

• Infant Swimming Resource Certified Instructor 2000-2007​

• Swim Lesson University/ World Aquatics Baby Congress​ Certified Stroke Progression Instructor ​

• Certified Stroke Technician  American Swim Coach Association

• Water Safety Advocate for Joshua Collingsworth Foundation

• Infant and Adult CPR and First Aid Certifications -American Health and Safety Institute

• Member of the National Drowning Prevention Association​

 

I take a very personal approach to teaching and treat your child as if he or she was one of my own.  My students and their families have become my extended family.  I have made many forever friends and I feel I am so very blessed and honored to have these children in my life. 

 

Please consider where you live and travel as well as other caregiver's homes and whether your family is prepared to safely enjoy the water.

You may contact me should you have any further questions, to schedule lessons or if you need directions to one of the pools. You are welcome and encouraged to visit me poolside and observe lessons in progress. Feel free to chat with parents at the pool and introduce yourself to me so that I can explain the skills I am teaching during the lesson. I look forward to meeting you and teaching your child(ren) to swim.