ISR is the product of over 50 years of ongoing research. Rather than blowing bubbles and singing songs, our primary focus is ensuring that each student becomes an aquatic problem solver able to survive in the event of an aquatic emergency. We provide real-life situations, such as using skills while fully clothed, to ensure students are prepared for a real-life drowning scenario.

One of the biggest differences between ISR and traditional swim lessons is that we never teach more than one little at a time. All ISR lessons are one-on-one instruction, customized to your child’s level of progress, allowing each lesson to be individualized for each student.

Since we know that 86% of childhood drownings occur when children are fully clothed, students practice their self-rescue skills during the final week of lessons in pajamas and winter clothing tests, (which can add 10-15lbs!). If a child has experienced the sensation of being in the water in clothing prior to an emergency situation, they’re less likely to experience panic and more able to focus on rescuing themselves if one occurs. Also, witnessing your child self-rescue in several layers, a jacket, and shoes will give you such peace of mind!

In May of 2010, the AAP changed its policy regarding the age at which children should start swimming lessons. This change was based on research that found that swim lessons provided reduction in drowning risk of children aged 1 to 4 years old. "Association Between Swimming Lessons and Childhood Drowning," published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, March 2009, was the first study to probe the relationship between drowning reduction and swimming skills. The study concluded that "participation in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning in 1- to 4-year-old children..." and recommended lessons as a layer of protection against drowning.