At KidsCanSwim, our instructors are more than lifeguards—they’re mentors, motivators, and the reason children thrive in the water. Here’s what makes them extraordinary.

More Than Swim Teachers

Ask any parent what makes a swim program great, and they’ll probably mention two things: progress and people. At KidsCanSwim, we believe one leads to the other—and our AEs are at the core of that connection.

They’re the ones who make nervous toddlers smile, turn timid floaters into strong swimmers, and create lessons that children actually look forward to every week. They are not just teaching skills—they’re building trust, confidence, and lifelong safety habits.

Here’s what makes our AEs the heart of everything we do.

1. They Build Trust, One Class at a Time

Trust is the foundation of any successful lesson. A child won’t let go of the wall or try a new skill unless they feel safe with the person guiding them.

Our AEs:

  • Greet each swimmer by name
  • Pay attention to emotional cues
  • Adjust their teaching based on each child’s confidence level
  • Celebrate small wins and show patience during challenges

Over time, this trust empowers kids to take healthy risks—and that’s when real growth begins.

2. They Make Learning Fun—but Purposeful

Our AEs know that fun and learning aren’t opposites—they’re partners. That’s why they incorporate:

  • Play-based learning to keep kids engaged
  • Imaginative themes to make skill-building exciting
  • Age-appropriate games that reinforce floating, kicking, and breathing

This balance of joy and structure is what keeps kids motivated week after week.

5. They Know When to Push—and When to Pause

A great instructor understands when a child is ready to stretch their limits—and when they need to slow down.

At KidsCanSwim, our team is trained to:

  • Recognize signs of fear, fatigue, or frustration
  • Encourage gently without forcing progress
  • Support every child’s unique learning pace

This kind of emotional intelligence is hard to teach—but we prioritize it from the very start.

8. They Represent the Heart of the KidsCanSwim Mission

At its core, KidsCanSwim is about empowering children. And that empowerment happens one lesson, one high-five, one successful back float at a time.

None of that would be possible without the people in the water—the AEs who show up with energy, empathy, and dedication every single day.

A Program is Only as Good as Its People

Facilities matter. Curriculum matters. But what truly shapes a child’s experience is who’s teaching them. At KidsCanSwim, our AEs aren’t just staff—they’re mentors, motivators, and often, a child’s very first cheerleader in water.

When parents tell us their kids “never want to miss a lesson,” we know it’s because of the connection, trust, and joy built by our team.