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Testimonials from our customers after swim lessons at Baby Otter Swim School
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Gwyneth Paltrow

Hello Miss Mindy (as you will forever be known to us)! How are you? I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for Apple. She has been swimming (almost) everyday since you saw her. She has gotten tremendous confidence in the water. Now when we swim, she takes off on her own out of my arms and swims into her daddy’s. For days after the lessons ended, she would teach her duckies to swim during bath time. It was hilarious asking them to tell her “I can do it” and “ready, set, go!” It is quite a task to get her out of the pool now. When we are on her way she says, “I’m going to do my work, and then we can play.

Our friends and family watch flabbergasted as they watch this little two year old swimming like a little fish. The best part is, I know that if she ever fell into a pool, she would know exactly how to save her life. How can you ever thank someone for teaching your child that skill? It is impossible. But we are so very grateful to you and Marlene. Thank you a million times over. We hope that in the autumn we can bring you over to teach phase two.

Thank you again and lots of love to you and Marlene….

Gwyneth Paltrow

This school is Otter-ly AMAZING!

Where to even begin!! This school is Otter-ly AMAZING! We’ve been in the pool with my son since he was 2 weeks old. When he was just about 15 months old we tired a handful of other swim schools and our local gym (I won’t mention the names of those) but needless to say the swims schools either canceled our sessions, or kept giving us another teacher – both in which didn’t really help the overall situation of learning a new skill – a new stranger every week just wasn’t working. Not to mention those schools also only had lessons once maybe twice a week vs. baby otter with a full week program at the same time with the same coach! My son got to a point where he didn’t even want to touch the water because the other schools just weren’t consistent.

Now Baby Otter – What a wave of fresh air!! Jaxson was swimming in less than a week and ENJOYING it not screaming or crying for the entire lesson! We did two full weeks of lessons – about 3 weeks apart, and Jaxson was so EXCITED to see Coach Cara again! She was so informative, passionate, and caring! She was able to give direction and motivation, she was able to get Jaxson to cooperate in ways I’ve never seen him before. Not only did they teach my son how to save his OWN life in the event of falling into the pool, but they also taught him patience, resilience, and that it’s okay to be frustrated! I am so beyond impressed with this program, and their staff! We have another two weeks of lessons coming up and I can’t wait to see what Coach Cara, and Jaxson can accomplish! He swims like a little fish now and we can’t keep him out of the pool!

My only regret is not doing it sooner

My only regret is not doing it sooner. I was so overwhelmed with all of the local programs, and I’m so happy I chose Baby Otter! My son was swimming on day 2 without the trauma a lot of other methods use, which was big for me. They eased all of my anxiety on things like aspiration with research and facts. The lessons were short but I never once felt rushed, they took the time to walk me through everything and answer every single question I had. Not only did my son walk away with new skills to keep him safe, I walked away with so much myself – from education on water safety to child psychology. Even just watching them interact taught me skills I can use as a parent outside of swimming. We can’t wait to enjoy our summer safely! Thank you so much Cara.

Gabrielle Donahe

It’s such an efficient and focused program

I know the swim instructor question is asked a lot so l just figured l’d share.. the week of June 3 we had Caleb from baby otter come here for our 5yo daughter who wouldn’t even attempt to swim without floats. (Got his name from y’all) He was amazing with her and made her super comfortable right away. Within a day she was swimming and by the end of day 5 (it is a 5 day program) she was even diving to the bottom to pick things up. She knows what to do if she falls in and is getting better every day practicing with us. She had so much fun and looked forward to each day! It’s such an efficient and focused program and Caleb is amazing. I’m so happy we went this route. I just reserved a week for my 21 month old. I’m not affiliated just super happy all around.

Kristen Nicole

Testimonial from Marriott

We were stuck at a weeklong conference at Marriott World Orlando so we decided to sign up for private swim lessons with Baby Otter Swim School. I was a skeptic from the very beginning and even the first class gave me some trepidation. You hand off your child to someone you’ve never met and you go hide somewhere your child can’t see you. Needless to say my son was not happy nor looking forward to this. However, I really wanted this program to work, so I gave it a chance. Within about 15 minutes, not only did my son stop crying, but he was smiling and enjoying himself. Fast forward to the end of the week, and my little 2 year old is actually looking forward to showing me his drills, has no fear of deeper water, and wants to stay in the pool longer. What an amazing alternative to spending the days at the parks. Just a week later, his training was tested when he accidentally fell into a water fountain. He now loves to swim and has so much more confidence in any pool. He still asks where Coach Drew is and repeats his lessons out loud as he swims. I have no doubt ign my mind Baby Otters has saved countless young lives by empowering and instilling the ability to save oneself in the water by those who cannot.

Staci is Wonderful

Staci is wonderful. Shes professional and kind. My son warmed up to her quickly and her program was fantastic. Would definitely recommend.

– Amanda Otey

Our experience with Baby Otter Swim School has been wonderful

Christopher has not forgotten to “turn, kick, reach”. Besides boosting his confidence, swimming has helped him swing on the playground’s swing set! All I have to say is “Kick your legs like in swim class!”

Our experience with Baby Otter Swim School has been wonderful and we would like to continue once available in our area.

Mrs. Maldanado – Special needs parent

We didn’t think his training would be tested in a real world situation so quickly.

Today, we are in Savannah, Georgia. Mach was running around a fountain and the moment Justine and I turned our heads, Mach was missing. He had fallen into the fountain. When we saw him, he was already reaching for the wall and standing up. He had a smile on his face and kept shouting, “I fell in.” Although he was laughing the entire time, we couldn’t help but think to ourselves Thank God Mach took lessons with Baby Otter Swim School. We didn’t think his training would be tested in a real world situation so quickly.

Anyhow, I just thought Coach Drew would want to know of the fruits of his labor.

Thank you again for everything.

Cheers,

Manus

My one year old can learn to swim in less than 3 hours???

My one year old can learn to swim in less than 3 hours??? This is what Baby Otter Swim School prides themselves on. I was skeptical to say the least and just very nervous as a first time mom. That said, all of my fears were truly eased when I met Amy, owner/instructor for the Melbourne market. She was super personable and, as a mother herself, could relate with my feelings. I probably needed more assurances than my daughter, initially. Amy was able to do just that while simultaneously explaining the process so I knew what to expect every step of the way. By the end of her first 30 minute lesson, I couldn’t believe my eyes…my baby girl was swimming! Amy was so sweet and gentle during the lessons but direct enough to ensure my daughter’s safety. It was tough on my momma heart but I’d do it again, tomorrow. Thank you Amy and Baby Otter Swim School!

I HAVE TO recommend Caleb with Baby Otter Swim School.

Seriously, such an outstanding program. In less than a week both of my children (3yo & 5yo) are able to swim to the wall and hold on/climb out! Safety is our #1 priority and knowing if they fall in they have a better chance of getting to safety means so much. We were searching for a safety swim program that would work and Caleb came highly recommended by multiple moms. We decided to give the program a try and we are so happy we did. I just wanted to put this out there in case anu other family was on the fence. It is 100% worth it!

Mom’s Club of Wellington FL

Words cannot express our gratitude for the baby otter swim program

Words cannot express our gratitude for the baby otter swim program. Our five year old son was completely terrified to go into the water without Floaties on and refused to ever even try to go under the water. We decided to give swimming lessons with “baby otter” a try and we watched in amazement as our son learned to swim. They were patient, communicative, professional, compassionate, kind, loving, and with each step, made my son feel safe in the water. This was the best experience I could have ever imagined and it was because of his coaches. He went from screaming to smiling in a matter of days. Coach Mindy & Coach Ashley gained his trust and met his needs in order for him to have success. Not only did he feel safe after he learned and mastered the “turn, kick, reach” method, but we as parents know he is safe now around the pool. Our little guy is now beaming with confidence both in and out of the pool. We will forever be grateful for Coach Mindy and her life’s mission of saving kids lives with “turn, kick, reach.” This swim school and the instructors are a blessing to the communities they serve.

Katie C.

Highly Recommend

Very professional, very experienced instructors. I was very surprised with how quickly my 2 year old son picked up on their instructions. I highly recommend.

Chris F.

You Won’t Regret Using Them

I have 2 boys who went through both the Turn, Kick, Reach program and Beginning Strokes. We didn’t want our babies just to know how to float, but we wanted them to be able to swim, which Baby Otter has perfected. Baby Otter’s instructors are top notch, the programs are safe, and they help you as a parent learn the skills to continue practicing. We tell all our friends about Baby Otter and if you’re reading this, we know you won’t regret using them either!

Brittni S., Mom of 2 Graduates 

Thank you for the IMPORTANT work you do!

I am so thrilled to have the Baby Otter team work with our little one! Our instructor Jessica is patient, kind and reassuring with our toddler. On day 2 our little one displayed less fear and more confidence! It’s amazing to watch! Thank you for the IMPORTANT work you do!

Parent

The best swimming company out there by far!

The best swimming company out there by far! The instructors are well trained, knowledgeable and relate to the children well. Communication is great between the instructors and parents and child too. They make it fun and stress the important of safety at the same time!

Julia B.

I can’t rave enough about Baby Otter Swim School!!

I can’t rave enough about Baby Otter Swim School!! Coach Staci and her mom taught my boys, 7 and 3, how to swim in 3 days. They made them feel safe, confident, and still had fun! I am beyond impressed! Worth every penny!

Kassie J.

His self esteem is skyrocketing!

We had one 11 year old with high functioning autism that wanted to learn to swim and Nikki was amazing with him. He made incredible progress in five lessons and can swim across the entire long length of the pool! His self esteem is skyrocketing!

Lucas M.

Baby Otter is Amazing

Baby Otter is amazing, the instructors are masters at balancing being loving and nurturing while being very professional.

Kim K.

He exceeded my expectations and is like a fish in the water now!

I didn’t believe for one second anyone could get him to put his face under the water, let alone jump in. He exceeded my expectations and is like a fish in the water now! Can’t wait to sign up for the next series in the near future!

I absolutely, 100% recommend it!

All I can say is that having our child join the Baby Otters swimming classes has been an amazing experience. Their patience and passion absolutely blew my mind. They just know how to teach children how to swim! I absolutely, 100% recommend it!

Jana F.

Thank you again for such a wonderful experience.

Thank you again for such a wonderful experience. Child has really enjoyed his time with you and he is on his way to being a fantastic swimmer!

Letter from Parent to Daniella, a Baby Otter Swim Instructor

Ms. Hayley was amazing!

Ms. Hayley was amazing! My 3 year old completed the Turn, Kick, Reach program and could jump into the pool and swim to the side after only 5 days!

Meghan G.

Tara was beyond amazing!!

Tara was beyond amazing!! She works so well with kids and is beyond patient! She went above and beyond in making us parents feel safe and comfortable!

Jacob M.

Thank you so very much for giving me one less thing to worry about!

Thank you so very much for giving me one less thing to worry about! It is amazing what you have taught (my child) in 5 days! You are so very appreciated and a lovely person to boot!

From Parent to our Miami Instructor, Daniella

Best Franchise Owner

Best franchise owner best teacher best program!! Couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Bradys a total fish in the water now!

Ashleyraeeee

Caleb is Amazing!

My 2 year old son went from not being able to be in a body of water without his floaties, to within 4 days he knew how to swim. I was blown away. The patience of the instructor (Caleb is amazing) was patience I as a parent aspire to have! The repetitive curriculum is genius, and as you think they are little and don’t understand, they do. It’s awesome. Can’t say enough great things about this company. I can now confidently say that my son is safe in the water without the false sense of float floaties bring, and can save himself in a body of water after 4 days of swim lessons!

Ashley Barnett

Fantastic teacher for swim lessons!

We had one 11 year old with high functioning autism that wanted to learn to swim and Nikki was amazing with him. He made incredible progress in five lessons and can swim across the entire long length of the pool! His self esteem is skyrocketing! We also had a very resistant- to- lessons five year old. Nikki had him going underwater and kicking to the stairs after the first lesson. He was able to jump into the deep end, turn, kick and reach to side by the end of the week. We were very impressed and will definitely be using this swim school going forward for additional lessons. Love them!

Lucas Machado

I am so thrilled to have the Baby Otter team work with our little one!

I am so thrilled to have the Baby Otter team work with our little one! Our instructor Jessica is patient, kind and reassuring with our toddler. On day 2 our little one displayed less fear and more confidence! It’s amazing to watch! Thank you for the IMPORTANT work you do!

Jana Fonseca’s Testimonial About Our Swimming Classes

This year has been a year full of positive life changing experiences for our family. The one that sticks out the most was having our 5 year old, autistic, amazing daughter join the Baby Otters swimming classes. She could swim, but could not put her face in the water, and we really wanted her to feel absolutely comfortable in the water, due to the fact that we live in south Florida and we are pretty much surrounded by lakes, canals, pools, and ocean.

On our first day as the instructor started to put her face in the water a couple of times, for a few seconds, my daughter’s reaction was to run out of the pool screaming and came to me. Of course immediately I interfered and asked that they go a little easier on her. I just had a really hard time watching it. On our way home, my husband asked to do this alone with my daughter. He knows I tend to be overprotective, and that this would be something he’d like to try alone with her. As apprehensive as I was, I said OK.

The following week, our second swimming lesson came, and I of course was not there, but watched a clip from my husband’s camera that he had filmed while my daughter had her face in the water, and was absolutely proud as proud can be of herself.

My daughter is not only swimming with her face under the water, but also jumping in the deep end of the pool, and simply having a blast doing it.

All I can say is that having our child join the Baby Otters swimming classes has been an amazing experience. Their patience and passion absolutely blew my mind. They just know how to teach children how to swim! I absolutely, 100% recommend it!

Sincerely,

Jana Fonseca

No tears, no trembling, just pure confidence!

Good Morning, Staci!

We hope you had a great Fourth of July. We wanted to share some swimming highlights from Mila’s weekend because she impressed and surprised us everyday! On Sunday after getting acclimated to my sister’s pool and practicing her kicks, she swam to the side and stairs several times!! No tears, no trembling, just pure confidence in her skills and techniques!! She even pointed to the side and signed for more while in my arms!

Yesterday, David and I took her for a swim in our pool. Once again, she pointed to the side and stairs to practice her skills and did so well! We are beyond grateful to you for your patience last week and are so happy we chose to peruse lessons with you. We will continue to work with her and will keep in touch with her progress. Moreover, I’ll be sure to spread the word about your incredible program and the confidence it gives children and parents alike.

Have a wonderful day,

Deena

PS- she even likes her stuffed otter now, too! No crying when she sees her bathing suit either!

Thank you Daniella!

Elijah is LOVING the pool. We go almost every day and he is SO confident in the water now. Daniella is an amazing instructor. She was so good with Elijah and he really enjoyed her too. She was on time every day and very patient. I was very impressed.  Thank you,  Lia

Lia

Happy Guest, Happy Concierge

On behalf of my guest and myself I would like to commend this company Baby Otters on such super customer service that was given on the first time in use with The Conrad Miami, I was in a bind and your answering service was wonderful in taking my information on an urgent last minute reservation. Rachel and Staci are my Hero’s getting back to me on a timely matter with everything that I need to get the guest started “Thank You” Comments from the Mr. & Mrs. Gerdes, his wife

Loved the services very personal and attentive Daniella is the best her services will be requested again. We are very happy to have you as our Family. Thank you so much for everything.

Best Wishes,
Kefyrah A. Yisrael
Chief Concierge
Conrad Miami
Espirito Santo Plaza
1395 Brickell Avenue
Miami, Fl 33131
o: 305.503.6577

So Proud of Grace!

Grace is doing great! We are practicing every day. She is moving her legs more in the water. Jessica was awesome!

Gaëlle N

Kudos to Mr. Andrew!

Hello!

Jacob is doing GREAT with his training and swimming, has developed a lot more confidence in the water as well. We practice with him his skills at least 3-4 days a week and he loves it.

Please tell our instructor, Andrew, he did a great job, and that Jacob keeps asking when he is coming back over to swim with him ????

Thanks so much,

Jessica O

Loving and Nurturing

Baby Otter Andre Dawson Aquatic Center is amazing, the instructors are masters at balancing being loving and nurturing while being very professional.

Kim Krause

A Mother Of Two Autistic Children

My name is Cate and I am the mother of two children with Autism.

From the minute my children were born, before the disability diagnosis, I was very focused on making sure my children could swim as soon as they came of age. Once the children were diagnosed with Autism, I knew that the need for water safety instruction and swim lessons was absolutely critical for their survival, as children with Autism can be abnormally drawn to water and can have a difficult time understanding the concept of danger.

I went searching for swim schools and was repeatedly denied. Without even seeing my son, who is considered severe and nonverbal, I was told that he would never learn to swim. I was also told that with my daughter’s difficult behaviors, she was also “not welcome” for swim instruction. The final devastating blow came when a swim school who actually used a nonverbal Autistic child and their ability to learn in their program as a selling point to bring in clients, proceeded to tell me my nonverbal son could not be taught to swim.

I was sad and I was scared for the safety of my children, living in a state filled with lakes, pools and surrounded on three sides by the sea. Finally, my pediatrician sent me to Baby Otter where he had sent his children for lessons.

From the minute I first spoke with the school, I knew we were in good hands! I was not told my children were guaranteed to swim in any specific time frame, but I was assured that the instructors at the swim school would stay with both of my kids until they learned to swim, regardless of their learning disability or “limitations”. We enrolled by kids at the ages of 4 and 5 into the TKR, Turn, Kick, Reach program.

Not only did both of my kids pass the TKR on the fifth day, but both of my kids became such strong swimmers so quickly, they were enrolled in the school’s Special Needs Swim Team in which they were awarded medals! My children have continued to grow in ability and strength through the years and they have both become the best swimmers I know! Not only that, they both swim regularly in the ocean and surf!

Baby Otter truly changed the course of their lives forever!

Confidence to Swim

Hi, my son Felix who is 2 just finished his 5 day course with Wendy at our pool…..it was great, she did a super job giving him (and me) the confidence to have him swimming!

Dave Raphael

Swimming within 5 minutes

My son Lucas took TKR when he was 2 1/2 and successfully completed it. That was in November and the pool was cold so we never practiced and he developed a fear of going underwater. I tried on my own to re-teach him but I couldn’t get him past the crying. So I signed him up again at age 4.

Ms. Andrea was able to have him swimming within 5 minutes. She was compassionate but determined enough to work past his fear quickly. By day five, he was swimming using his arms and jumped in willingly. Best money I’ve spent all year!

I’m looking forward to a fun summer now that Lucas can swim.

Kelly Lodowski

Thank You From the Bahamas!

Daniella thank you so very much for giving me one less thing to worry about! It is amazing what you have taught King in 5 days! You are so very appreciated and a lovely person to boot!

Erin & Kingston