A proud provider of ISR self-rescue swim lessons
for babies and toddlers starting at 6 months.
A gentle pathway to self‑rescue skills
Our program introduces babies and toddlers to the water in short, focused sessions that emphasize calm breathing, rolling to float, and safe, supervised skill development. Each child progresses at their own pace with consistent, encouraging instruction.
Breath control & relaxed submersion
Roll‑to‑float with independent recovery
Swim‑float‑swim sequencing for toddlers
Parent water-safety education and child’s skill progression updates.
What will your child learn
Through short, consistent lessons, your child can learn essential survival skills and build a strong foundation for lifelong confidence in the water. Each lesson is one-on-one and tailored to your child’s comfort and developmental readiness. We use positive reinforcement to celebrate progress at every step. A parent or caregiver observes each lesson poolside.
In the final week, students practice fully clothed to better simulate real-life accidental water entry. Most children complete ISR skills in approximately 5–8 weeks (or about 30 lessons), though timelines vary by child.
Types of lessons
Two core skill sequences, based on age and developmental readiness.
Meet the Instructor
I was born and raised in Florida and live in New Port Richey with my husband and our two daughters. I discovered ISR in 2010 after seeing a friend’s child demonstrate self-rescue skills, and I knew immediately this was something every child should learn.
After my daughter completed lessons, I was inspired by my instructor’s dedication and decided to change careers. In 2013, I became a certified ISR Instructor, completing extensive in-water training and coursework in behavioral psychology, anatomy, physiology, and ISR techniques.
Teaching ISR continues to be incredibly rewarding. There is nothing more important than a child’s safety, and these skills provide families with peace of mind and an additional layer of protection. I am proud to serve our community and look forward to meeting you and your child.
Water Safety
Even if your child has had swimming lessons, no child is drown-proof and there is absolutely no substitute for adult supervision. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children between the ages of one and four. At ISR, we believe in layers of protection because we know that sometimes supervision fails.
#1
Effective SupervisionEffective Supervision
The most critical line of defense is adult supervision. No level of aquatic skill can replace active supervision. If your child is ever missing, look in the water first.
#2
Pool FencesPool Fences
Install a permanent 4-sided fence with self-locking gates. Ensure that the pool fence is at least 3-5 feet from the pool edge.
#3
AlarmsAlarms
Make sure all doors and windows leading to the pool are locked and alarmed.
#4
Swimming LessonsSurvival Swimming Lessons
ISR’s Self-Rescue training is an added layer of protection, teaching your child water survival skills in a completely safe environment.
#5
CPRCPR
If an emergency happens, it is essential parents and families are prepared. Learn to perform CPR on children and adults and remember to update those skills regularly.
ISR’s Family Aquatic Safety List
Locations and Schedule
Lessons are conducted from March through the end of October at a private heated pool in Golden Acres, located off Little Road and Jasmine Blvd in New Port Richey. The schedule below is subject to change based on availability and demand.
What Parents Are Saying
Liona is an absolute blessing to every single child that crosses her path. The patience and focus that she gives to each child and parent is something to truly be commended. There’s not enough good things I can say about her or what she does. The drive was not a close one for us but it was worth every single mile, minute, and memory we made when we got to “swim with Miss Liona in the big pool.” That was my favorite thing to hear from my Florida baby every single day by the end of our lessons. Hardly ever a time where you can honestly have nothing negative to say and this is one of those for me. You’ll be glad you chose Liona and ISR
Liona is awesome. We watched our little learn new skills daily with Liona. If there was an issue with the way our little was doing something, Liona found a way to help her understand and worked through the speed bump with her. 10/10 recommend!
Liona has been wonderful to work with over the years. I have two boys and they both went through ISR training and refreshers. My oldest, now 8, is a strong swimmer and I know that has to do with the fact that we started him off with ISR as a toddler. My younger son, although not a happy swimmer during lessons, is now able to float, swim, and float. He was resistant to the lessons but Liona was patient and kind and in a short period of time, he learned these skills.
Liona was incredible! My 4 year old never went in the water and didn’t know how to swim. Now 6 weeks later, he is a little fish! Over the years I have paid for a wide variety of swim lessons for my children ranging from private to group lessons, but never really seeing results. In my opinion, ISR is the best strategy. I highly recommend ISR and Liona.
Liona is so patient and kind! She taught both of my youngest survival swim and we couldn’t be happier!
Our daughter had a great experience with Liona. She exceeded our expectations with her teaching style. She definitely knows how to gain the kids’ trust to help them try new things and makes the lessons enjoyable. We are very satisfied and highly recommend her
I cannot recommend Liona enough! So knowledgeable and is excellent at making both the parent and child feel safe in the water. As a first time mom I needed all of the comfort and guidance when it came to my daughter. Liona provided that and SO MUCH MORE! ❤️
My son’s first lessons occurred when he was 16 months old. Liona did a wonderful job with him! She was patient and he learned more than I would have thought possible. I highly recommend Liona and ISR to all parents. Already looking forward to refresher courses in the future 😀
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to book lessons?
Send a quick note with your child’s age and preferred schedule. We’ll reply with current availability, location options, and next steps.