“We have four boys (ages 7, 5, 3, and a baby). We have enrolled all of our kids in swimming lessons with Ms. Dayna as soon as they turned two so they can learn the life-saving skills they need to be safe in the water. She has always given us good advice on rules to use with our kids around the water. This past fall, she started incorporating the waiting whale mats and the practice of "where there is water, I will wait" in her lessons. Just the word "wait" has been a game-changer this summer at the pool. All of our kids stop in their tracks when I say, "Wait" at the pool. We also have a spot at the pool that we use for them to wait until they are allowed to get in the water. I am so thankful that Dayna is always thinking of ways to help our kids be safe around water and giving us tools to empower us to be water guardians for our kids.”

Elaine G.

“We are forever grateful for Miss Dayna and her passion for water safety. My husband and I wanted nothing more than for our girls to have a positive and enjoyable swim experience where they gain knowledge of water safety and swimming. Miss Dayna has exceeded all of our expectations!! Not only does she love our girls like her own, but she has also given us strategies and tools to incorporate into our lives so that we can continuously educate our girls on water safety and what they should do when they see water. In one 30-minute Getting Their Little Feet Wet lesson with Miss Dayna, and daily practice at home, our ONE-year-old daughter understands the strategy that where there is water, I will WAIT. Incorporating this strategy and a designated waiting spot, like the WAITING WHALE MATS, into our daily lives has not only empowered us as parents but also helped us educate our girls about the importance of water safety and waiting until they have permission to enter the water. It’s now a pre-bath and pool time routine that we sing the words, “When there is water, we wait, we wait,” and they wait on their designated spot until we have eyes on them and are ready for them to enter the water. We highly recommend Swim With Miss Dayna and the WAITING WHALE MATS & strategies!!”

Cari M.

“I've always known swimming was a life lesson and water safety was essential with small children. What I didn't realize before my sons worked with Miss Dayna is that they can learn to respect the water at an early age. Every week my two year old sat with his hands in his lap and waited for cues to sit next to the pool, enter the water, and leave the pool. When we would pass any body of water in the car, he would scream "water!" I reiterated Miss Dayna's phrase "when we see water..." and both of my boys yelled "we wait!" Without prompting my 5 year old now asks "Mommy, can I get in the pool?" He waits for confirmation that I have eyes on him. It's a tool I didn't know I had. Thanks, Miss Dayna!”

Elizabeth S.

“Wyatt was terrified of swimming and always worried if he didn’t have a life jacket on, he would drown. After just 5 days with Miss Dayna, Wyatt now understands the importance of knowing how to swim safely and that water isn’t so scary after all. He knows the most important rule, where there is water, he will wait for an adult to tell him it’s ok to go in. He understands that when he goes in, to float on his back with his chin up to help keep him afloat. I can’t thank Miss Dayna enough for helping teach not just him, but us as parents. We have a pool in our backyard so safety has always been our #1 concern. We all now feel more comfortable around pools after our classes.”

Hawley Family

That first trip to the pool after the week of lessons she was a completely different swimmer! The part I was most appreciative of was when we first arrived. She was ready to get in but my husband and I were still getting unpacked, and she started to head to the pool without us. I said “Vivi, where there is water?” and she immediately responded with “I will wait!” and came back to us calmly with no fussing at all! As a preschool special education teacher, I completely understand how challenging this age group can be at times. Vivi has already asked many times when she can go back to lessons, and says she misses you. Thank you for loving our girl, for teaching her these skills, and for growing her confidence around the water. We look forward to working with you again soon!

Emilee G.