No swim lessons in San Diego summer 2024 - relocating to san carlos
“There is not a swim instructor I would trust more than Bernadette. Any child will benefit from Bernadette's many years of teaching experience both in and out of the water”,
-Elizabeth Stone PhD, Pals Swim School
Welcome! I’m Bernadette…
My goal is to help people of all ages to learn to relax, feel comfortable, and enjoy being in the water. At the foundation of my work as a swim instructor is my belief that everyone can benefit from learning how to swim.
I am a passionate educator, working as a physical education teacher for over 15 years and I have an experienced background in coaching at many levels. I started teaching swimming lessons the summer after my freshman year in high school at Pals Swim School in San Mateo, CA. My first summer I started as an “aide” but by the end of that summer I was thrilled to be teaching my own lessons. I have been teaching lessons ever since, and 40 summers later I am still just as thrilled as I was when I started!
Bernadette is currently teaching PE and working as Athletic Director at a small (TK - 8) school in La Jolla.
Some important things to know….
Teaching Philosophy and Methods
Meet and Greet
Before our initial lesson, I meet with each swimmer to discuss prior experiences, goals and concerns. I like to read a fun book about swimming to young children to create excitement about learning about the water.
Goals and Rewards
Because learning new skills can be challenging, I encourage students to set goals for each lesson and reward each success with a small treats like a Starburst or a Tootsie Roll or a sticker. When swimmers meet long-term goals they can earn an embroidered star or aquatic animal-themed characters or choose a prize from my prize bag.
Techniques
I use several tools to assist in skill development. Rings and pool toys help to establish comfort in the water and can be employed to develop more advanced underwater swimming abilities. Full and half noodles assist with body position. I use kickboards to help build endurance and introduce and develop skills such as back floating, elementary backstroke kick, and breaststroke kick.
Safety
Because water safety is so important, I build multiple safety strategies into each lesson. Swimmers are taught techniques to find safety in the water.
At the end of a lesson session, I also encourage swimmers to jump into the pool fully clothed so they can experience how it feels and learn how to remain calm and handle an emergency situation. This can be an important rite of passage from beginning learner to confident and capable swimmer.
Expectations
Learning to feel confident in the water is a process and many young swimmers can be intimidated and uncomfortable in the beginning. Young children will often cry the first few times they go underwater because it feels so foreign to them. This is a normal part of the process of learning to swim and it is important to work beyond this stage by repeating the experience. During this process I focus on the positive skills they are developing.
I ask parents to trust me to make your child’s safety and well-being a priority. I will never hurt your child, but I might push her to overcome her fears to ensure she becomes a competent swimmer.
Parent involvement
Parents are encouraged to be present during the lesson as observers as long as they do not interfere with the process. Naturally, if you are concerned about your child’s well-being, please communicate that with me and we will discuss options. I will always honor and respect your parenting decisions.
Liability form
All swimmers or parents will be asked to sign a liability waiver before we begin lessons. We will cover this prior to our first lesson in our scheduled “meet and greet.”
“Over thirty years ago, Bernadette taught my children how to swim and be comfortable, confident, and secure in the water. She has the knowledge and teaching skill to make any child a capable swimmer. Combine that with her enthusiasm, positivity, and warmth your child will quickly develop the necessary trust to make it a meaningful experience. I strongly and confidently recommend Bernadette as I witnessed first hand her magical gift.” - Doc Scheppler, 6-time California Girls Basketball State Champion Coach, Pinewood School
Swim Lessons
I focus on the positive accomplishments each swimmer is making and keep the lesson as fun as possible!
I take a different approach to lesson instruction by balancing hard work, trust, and skill development, along with taking time to appreciate and enjoy the feeling of being in the water.
I have experience teaching swimmers of all ages, whether you are looking for lessons for yourself or for your child. I believe everyone can benefit from learning how to swim. Read more in depth about how I teach on my blog.
Current Swim Lesson Pricing
Individual (Appropriate for 3 years old and over)
Lessons are offered in two-week sessions, Monday-Thursday at the same time each day (with Friday, Saturday, & Sunday off).
One package of 8 lessons (M-TH for 30 minutes every day for two consecutive weeks) is $425.00
One 30-minute private lesson is $55.00
One 45 minute private lesson is $75.00
Semi-private (Appropriate for 4 years old and over)
30 minute lesson $80 ($40.00 per swimmer)
Semi-private / group (Up to 3 youth swimmers or 4 advanced swimmers)
45 minute lesson $120.00
Back to back lesson discount (Same day)
(Private lessons only)
30 minute lesson $50
45 minute lesson $70
Pool Safety
In addition to teaching people how to swim, I also incorporate age appropriate safety strategies and precautions into swimming lessons, for example how to be safe at and around pools and other bodies of water.
Young swimmers will be taught how to turn around and grab the wall, and all swimmers are encouraged to wear their clothes over their swimsuit on the last day of lessons, so that they can experience what it would feel like if they ever fall into the water unexpectedly and are able to successfully stay calm and swim to safety.
