We believe that God has gifted the teaching staff with the talent to help others to enjoy water and swimming. We teach so that God may teach through us. We are accountable to Him to use our talents, and we expect Him to do miraculous things in our midst.

The classes and teaching have been structured so that students are able to build a relationship with a teacher. We view each class as an opportunity for teachers, teachers’ aides, and students to join together to discover their unique capabilities, and to grow as people, not just as swimmers! We teach and, in turn, are taught by the LORD through meeting the special needs of the individual students.

We strongly believe in the power of prayer in the teaching and learning process: prayer by teachers, students, parents and friends. Anxiety, fear and negative memories are powerful deterrents to learning. We have seen Jesus Christ calm such “winds & waves” of fear, just as surely as He did over 1900 years ago on the Sea of Galilee. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do anything God wants me to do by the power He gives me to do it!” Even the smallest faith in a great God releases God’s great power.

Lastly, we seek to “catch students doing something right.” We are committed to affirming the swimmers’ personhood and abilities, rather than motivating performances by techniques that tend to devalue them in their own eyes and in the eyes of others.

The Swim Ministry offers American Red Cross (ARC) certification for Level 1 (Novice) through Level 6 (Advanced Skills). When registering a swimmer new to the Swim Ministry, please refer to these Levels. If the swimmer has had no previous experience or had a negative experience, please note that on the registration form.

We assign a swimmer’s teacher based on the information provided on the Registration Form. During lessons, we reserve the right to move a student to a level appropriate to their abilities. Levels 1 – 6 will be offered for all weeks and for all hours.

The student minimum age is 5 years of age on the first day of class. Feel free to request our booklet for adults to use to teach children under 5 years of age using the “Contact Us” tab.

Founded in 1976, this unique ministry has a large staff of American Red Cross certified instructors, lifeguards, supervisors and Junior and Senior High teachers’ aides. Every summer there is a good mix of staff — some with 50+ years of experience and others who are new teachers being supervised by experienced staff. Adult staff are believers confessing Jesus Christ as Savior & Lord.

Swimmers who are at least 11 years old and working at skill Level 4 or higher may apply to participate on staff as a teacher’s aide, which combines class work with experience in teaching others. Adults who can swim may apply to teach; no previous swim teaching experience required. Inquire about benefits by contacting Katy Verhagen Wilson using the “Contact Us” tab below.

Check out our “scrapbook” from last year’s swim ministry.

Email the Swim Ministry Director