My husband and I both wanted to send you all a note to let you know how highly we regard all of you and what you are doing for the children in South Florida. As you know, we moved from South Florida to Northern Virginia early last year. You taught our son, Matthew, life saving skills in the swimming pool back in the summer of 2003. Matthew, who is now 5, has become such a great swimmer. He loves the pool and has now found a new love in the diving board. We were so pleased with how quickly, lovingly and professionally you taught Matthew how to protect himself if he should fall into the water. So, we decided it would be worth it to fly to South Florida to give our second son, Aidan, who turned 2 in May, the same lessons.

When a friend of mine in Virginia asked me how Matthew learned to swim, I told her about you and your staff. She decided that when she traveled to South Florida to visit her family that it would be worth the investment to sign her daughter up as well. Two other friends (one from Tampa) also decided to sign their children up for these life-saving skills.

We all began our lessons on Monday, July 11. At that time if my son, Aidan, as well as the other 3 children had no idea what to do if he fell into the water. By Friday, July 15, all four of them not only knew how to "turn, kick, reach" to the wall, but they had a new love of swimming. All three of my friends have said it is the best money they have ever spent.

What I cannot put a value on is the peace of mind that you have given us. We never let Aidan go unsupervised by the water, but it is easier for me to let others watch him without always thinking about what would happen if he got out the glass doors or through a gate.

We are back in Virginia and have been going to the pool a few times a week. Aidan asks almost everyday to "swim, swim, swim". We framed and hung his Baby Otter Swim School award in his room and he points to it and tells everyone "I swim". He is only two-years-old and I can see that he has so much self-esteem. It is also nice that I have an activity that both Matthew and Aidan enjoy doing together.

We continually remind Aidan if you fall into the water what do you do? He has mastered the "kick, reach", but is still learning to say "turn". I find it amazing that you can teach children how to save their own lives before they even know how to speak.

We are adopting a little girl from China next year and we will be back to teach her these invaluable lessons.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Jennifer and Kevin Luebke
August 9, 2005