Making a Difference Through an Unfathomable Loss

On January 29, 2019, Jamie Corbett experienced the unfathomable. Her son Gunner drowned. He was only 2 years old. While Jamie survives her great loss on a daily basis, she’s made the decision to make Gunner’s tragic death matter in a way that made sense to her, and that was to become a survival swim instructor. 

“I decided it was time to make a difference,” Jamie says of her decision to become a survival swim instructor. After much research and due diligence, Jamie contacted Texas Swim Academy owner Kathleen McMordie, RN, to inquire about becoming a certified instructor through the Survival Swim Network. 

“I needed his life to matter,” Jamie says of Gunner. “I want to protect a family from going through the things I’ve gone through.” 

Drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1 to 4 years old. And while no one thinks it can happen to them, it can, and oftentimes happens most during non-swim times. Non-swim times are when no one is in or near the pool, moments when children get past an adult in the house whether it’s through a doggie door or an unlocked door. 

Survival swim lessons provide young children with the skills necessary to surface to the water, roll-back-to-float position and breath, and swim to the wall. Age-appropriate kids are taught to pull themselves out of the water. 

But not all swimming lessons are equal, which is why dedicated people like Jamie do their research to become an instructor through a reputable program that not only has proven results but is designed to keep kids safer in and around the water, giving them the skills necessary should an aquatic incident occur. 

One of the most common misconceptions about swimming lessons is that once a child “graduates” from class there’s no need to continue learning. The reality is, there is no graduation from swimming lessons. Maintenance lessons are an imperative part of a child’s learning experience as they grow older. Parents must also play an active role in their child’s continued swimming education. 

Practicing the skills at home, learning how to replicate what is being taught in survival swim lessons while in your own pool, replicating with your child what is learned in class are the keys to successful lessons. And these very things are communicated to children and their families through the right qualified swim instructor and survival swim program. 

“If you want to save people’s lives, become a survival swim instructor,” says Jamie. 

If you’re interested in becoming a Survival Swim Development Network instructor, call Kathleen McMordie at 832-437-6186 to learn more about making a difference in a child’s life. To enroll your child in survival swim lessons or to learn more about our survival swim program contact us today. Be sure to follow Gunner’s Gift on Facebook to learn more about Jamie’s advocacy against childhood drowning. 

SWIM SCHOOL IN KATY 

Texas Swim Academy is the best swim school near me offering result-oriented swimming lessons in Katy that cater to all ages and abilities. Our well-trained and experienced swimming instructors provide a variety of programs for infants through adulthood. For the little ones, we offer swimming lessons for babies and swimming lessons for toddlers focused on survival swimming skills to build a strong water safety foundation and foster water confidence at a young age. Once your child knows how to swim, our swim lessons for children will help refine techniques and build endurance, as the consistent practice of their swimming skills is an imperative part of becoming a strong swimmer. 

Our adaptive aquatics program is designed for children of all ages and abilities to ensure every child, including children on the autism spectrum, can benefit from these fundamental skills and enjoy the water in a safe and comfortable environment. Adults seeking to improve their swimming prowess or learn how to swim for the first time can enroll in adult swim lessons tailored to their specific goals.

Our swim lessons near me are a convenient and accessible way for you and your family to learn how to swim in a comfortable environment. Our dedicated instructors are passionate about teaching and ensuring your progress in the water. Take a few minutes to view Our Swimmer Stories to learn more about what other families are saying about their experience with Texas Swim Academy. 

Contact us to learn more about our programs or stop by our state-of-the-art swimming facility in Katy to register today. Be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages for important news, updates, and swimming safety tips, and read our blog to keep up-to-date with important information on water safety and proper swimming lessons.