Swim Synergy

Swim Synergy stands out as a premier swim academy

At Swim Synergy, we’re not just teaching swimming; we’re creating a lifelong love and respect for the water, one private swim lesson at a time.

swim synergy reviews
swim synergy's private survival swim lessons

Swim Synergy's Private
Survival Swim Lessons

Say goodbye to crowded swim sessions. Swim Synergy specializes in private survival swim lessons, ideal for all ages, conducted in our outdoor heated pools maintained at a comfortable 92 degrees. Experience the difference with personalized attention in every session – we ensure that there’s never more than one instructor in the water, guaranteeing focused and effective learning.

Our infant and toddler swim programs prioritize safety and confidence from the start. For children, we offer dynamic, skill-enhancing lessons that are both enjoyable and educational. Adults benefit from our specialized sessions, tailored to help you reach your swimming goals at a pace that suits you.

Each Swim Synergy location is a private oasis, offering a relaxed and undistracted environment for learning. With one student per instructor, we promise a unique and productive swim experience. Join Swim Synergy for exceptional survival swim lessons, where individual progress and comfort are our top priorities.

My name is Krista, a dedicated Drowning Prevention Specialist since 2005 and the founder of Swim Synergy. As a mother of three, I am deeply committed to promoting water safety and preventing drowning through innovative education, advocacy, and community engagement. With over 18 years of experience, my journey in this field is deeply personal and enriched by my role as a parent. While I initially planned on a career in Clinical Child Psychology, my path shifted profoundly when I became involved in the Drowning Prevention Community.

Having been a near-drowning victim myself at the tender age of three, I carry a constant awareness of the dangers of water. This personal connection drives my commitment to teaching life-saving swimming and survival skills to infants, toddlers, children, and adults, especially those with a fear of water. This work is not just a profession for me; it is a deeply rewarding calling.

krista's family and swim bio

My teaching approach is further shaped by my volunteer work with San Diego Hospice and the Institute for Palliative Medicine, particularly on the pediatric team. Working closely with children facing life’s end has reinforced my commitment to preventing tragedies like drowning. I believe that while the risk associated with water can never be completely eliminated, it can be significantly mitigated through education, awareness, and effective swim instruction.

In my lessons, I aim to provide more than just swimming skills. I focus on instilling confidence, safety awareness, and survival techniques, treating each of my students with the same love and care I give to my own children.

My goal is to give every student a fighting chance against preventable water-related accidents by advocating for comprehensive prevention strategies, including protective barriers around pools, constant adult supervision, established rescue plans, and proficient swimming skills. Together, we can work towards creating a safer environment around water.

krista's family and swim bio

My name is Krista, a dedicated Drowning Prevention Specialist since 2005 and the founder of Swim Synergy. As a mother of three, I am deeply committed to promoting water safety and preventing drowning through innovative education, advocacy, and community engagement. With over 18 years of experience, my journey in this field is deeply personal and enriched by my role as a parent. While I initially planned on a career in Clinical Child Psychology, my path shifted profoundly when I became involved in the Drowning Prevention Community.

My teaching approach is further shaped by my volunteer work with San Diego Hospice and the Institute for Palliative Medicine, particularly on the pediatric team. Working closely with children facing life’s end has reinforced my commitment to preventing tragedies like drowning. I believe that while the risk associated with water can never be completely eliminated, it can be significantly mitigated through education, awareness, and effective swim instruction.

Having been a near-drowning victim myself at the tender age of three, I carry a constant awareness of the dangers of water. This personal connection drives my commitment to teaching life-saving swimming and survival skills to infants, toddlers, children, and adults, especially those with a fear of water. This work is not just a profession for me; it is a deeply rewarding calling.

In my lessons, I aim to provide more than just swimming skills. I focus on instilling confidence, safety awareness, and survival techniques, treating each of my students with the same love and care I give to my own children. My goal is to give every student a fighting chance against preventable water-related accidents by advocating for comprehensive prevention strategies, including protective barriers around pools, constant adult supervision, established rescue plans, and proficient swimming skills. Together, we can work towards creating a safer environment around water.

Our Expert Team

At Swim Synergy, we meticulously select instructors who possess an innate ability to engage with young learners and a dedicated passion for aquatic safety. They undergo a comprehensive 200+ hour training regime, ensuring their proficiency in both practical and theoretical aspects of swim instruction.

Continuous improvement is at the core of our philosophy. Our instructors are committed to annual educational advancement, guaranteeing that every lesson is infused with the latest and most effective swimming techniques.

The synergy between our instructors and your child is the cornerstone of our teaching method, fostering an environment that’s safe, nurturing, and optimal for developing swimming proficiency.

Expert Swim Instructors: Certified, Trained, and Ready

Our Expert Team

At Swim Synergy, we meticulously select instructors who possess an innate ability to engage with young learners and a dedicated passion for aquatic safety. They undergo a comprehensive 180-hour training regime, ensuring their proficiency in both practical and theoretical aspects of swim instruction.

Expert Swim Instructors: Certified, Trained, and Ready

Continuous improvement is at the core of our philosophy. Our instructors are committed to annual educational advancement, guaranteeing that every lesson is infused with the latest and most effective swimming techniques.

The synergy between our instructors and your child is the cornerstone of our teaching method, fostering an environment that’s safe, nurturing, and optimal for developing swimming proficiency.

OUR instructors

Nicole first learned to swim in the warm ocean waters of Hawaii, and that early love for the water shows up in every lesson she teaches. Her sessions are safe, high-energy, and tailored to each child’s learning pace.

Families trust Nicole not just for her expertise, but because she makes the process feel exciting and empowering—for both kids and parents.

Nicole F, Lead Instructor

Nicole is the kind of instructor kids remember—and request—year after year. She’s known for her upbeat energy, quick connection with young swimmers, and ability to turn even the most hesitant child into someone who can’t wait to get back in the water.

Her style is fun, animated, and structured in all the right ways. With a background in Early Child Development and over 15 years working closely with children in private home settings, Nicole knows how to read each swimmer and meet them where they are. She’s also Red Cross Lifeguard certified and trained in trauma-informed, water desensitization techniques—skills that help her turn nervous beginnings into real, lasting progress.

Nicole first learned to swim in the warm ocean waters of Hawaii, and that early love for the water shows up in every lesson she teaches. Her sessions are safe, high-energy, and tailored to each child’s learning pace.

Families trust Nicole not just for her expertise, but because she makes the process feel exciting and empowering—for both kids and parents.

Sandra - Stroke Specialist

Sandra is a highly accomplished swim instructor at Swim Synergy, bringing 13 years of exceptional swim instruction experience across Texas, Australia, and California. She specializes in Infant Self Rescue training, a passion stemming from her commitment to ensuring her own child’s water safety, which has since grown into a professional mission.

As a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard with a deep-water focus, Sandra possesses comprehensive safety skills applicable to various aquatic environments. Sandra swims and trains regularly for triathlons, making her a fantastic coach for strokes and junior lifeguard preparation. Her instructional approach is also enriched by her teaching background in ballet, gymnastics, and taekwondo, providing a unique and versatile perspective to her teaching style.

Sandra’s qualifications are further enhanced by her Master’s degree in Human Behavior and Cognition, along with a certification in Autism Aquatics. This educational background allows her to create adaptive and inclusive learning experiences that cater to the needs of diverse learners. Fluent in English and Spanish, Sandra effectively communicates with students and their families, breaking down language barriers and extending her impact in our community.

Coming from a family with an athletic background in professional sports, Sandra’s approach to swim instruction goes beyond simple teaching; it focuses on instilling confidence and fostering a lifelong love for the water. She is an invaluable asset to the Swim Synergy team, a dedicated instructor who views her teaching not as a profession, but a passion. As a drowning prevention advocate, she continues to learn new skills and obtain more certifications to help save the lives of as many children as possible. She is a true gift to the students she works with and to their families, leaving an everlasting impact on their lives.

certified swim instructor

Emmalyn

Emma Crawford is a swim instructor who brings clarity, focus, and a steady presence to every lesson. She has a strong instinct for working with young children and creates an environment where progress feels both natural and achievable.

Before joining Swim Synergy, Emma worked as a co-teacher in a kindergarten classroom, where she developed a practical approach to early childhood development. She’s also volunteered at women and children’s rescue centers, further strengthening her ability to lead with patience and purpose.

Emma approaches each lesson with intention—prioritizing safety, skill-building, and the small details that add up to lasting progress.

Jill

With a natural gift for connecting with kids, Jill brings patience, creativity, and infectious energy to every lesson. Children instantly gravitate toward her dynamic personality and kind, encouraging presence. Over the past 7 years, she’s worked with children as a nanny, tutor, and summer camp volunteer — always with a passion for helping them grow in confidence and independence.

Born and raised in Carlsbad, the water has always felt like home. From Junior Lifeguards in the summer to free diving and surfing today, Jill’s lifelong love for the ocean fuels her deep appreciation for water safety and swimming confidence.

Jill is a Swim Synergy–Certified Aquatic Survival Swim Instructor, and she holds her Emergency Responder Deep Water Lifeguard Certification. She blends her musicality, creativity, and calm presence into every lesson, creating a safe and engaging environment where kids feel seen, supported, and excited to learn.

She’s excited to help each child feel confident, capable, and safe in the water.

Lauren C

Lauren has been surrounded by water her entire life — spending summers at the lake and growing up by the beach. Her love for swimming began early, leading her to train and compete on a local swim team, where she built both confidence and a strong foundation in the water. She holds a bachelor ’ s degree in Psychology with a minor in Biological Sciences from Clemson University and is currently on track to pursue a career in the medical health field. W ith over 5 years of nannying experience, Lauren brings warmth, patience, and a genuine love for working with children. This program blends two of her greatest passions — helping kids grow and being in the water — into something meaningful and lasting. At Swim Synergy, Lauren ’ s calm energy and thoughtful approach shine through in every lesson. She believes each child learns best when they feel safe, supported, and seen — and she takes pride in building trust from the very first day. Whether it ’ s a hesitant first – t ime swimmer or a confident floater ready for more, Lauren meets them where they are and celebrates every small victory along the way.

Riley G

Riley shows up early, stays late, and gives 100% every time she’s in the water. With 3 years of varsity swim and water polo experience, she’s built on consistency, focus, and a drive to over-deliver — every single lesson.

As a seasoned nanny and the oldest sibling in a big family, Riley has a natural gift for working with young children — especially those who are fearful or hesitant in the water. She’s CPR and First Aid certified, experienced with children who have special needs, and brings a calm, confident energy that puts both kids and parents at ease.

From first splashes to breakthrough moments, Riley brings structure, heart, and a steady hand that kids trust.

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