A Deeper Dive Into Our Curriculum : The Swimful Way
At watermellow, we are thrilled to offer a unique and transformative experience for young swimmers through our innovative curriculum, Swimful. In 2014, Kaylee Kennedy, our Founder, created this premier curriculum designed to foster a lifelong love for the water, seamlessly integrating the principles of swimming and mindfulness. Here’s why the Swimful curriculum stands out from traditional parent & tot swim programs and how it can benefit your child.
The Origin of Swimful
Swimful originated from the profound connection between a mother and her baby in the water. In 2014, Kaylee Kennedy opened the Saskatoon Swim School, which later evolved into K&K Swim School. During the global pandemic, we shifted to online lessons, initially branded as “K&K Swim School Online.” This venture eventually grew into what we now proudly call watermellow!
Kaylee’s passion for teaching and her deep love for swimming laid the foundation for the Swimful curriculum. Today, this curriculum inspires and empowers swimmers of all ages and abilities across the globe through in person and online swim lessons!
The Stages of Swimful
Our Swimful curriculum is structured into three progressive stages: Float, Dive, and Swim. Each stage is designed to support your child’s development and love for the water while incorporating mindfulness and safety practices. Here’s a breakdown of what each stage entails:
In FLOAT, parents and babies are introduced to the basics of water enjoyment while supporting their growth and development. To help babies become comfortable in the water, we emphasize maintaining trust and connection through teaching confident submersions and breath control. Our goal is to teach parents how to float their baby on the surface of the water for up to 3 seconds at a time, fostering a safe and positive introduction to swimming.
In DIVE, parents and babies build on the breath control learned in Float, exploring submersions deeper underwater. This stage challenges both parent and swimmer to step out of their comfort zones while continuing to build trust, connection, and confidence in the water. Dive is designed to enhance the bond between parent and baby through shared experiences and milestones in the water.
In SWIM, babies become independent swimmers with strong breath control, confident submersions, and the ability to recover at Points of Safety around the pool. Parents will learn how and when to assist their swimmer with deep diving, floating, jumping, turning around, and problem-solving while swimming. This level aims to create confident, independent toddlers who move through the water with purpose, stamina, and awareness, setting the foundation for lifelong swimming skills.
What Makes Swimful Unique?
Mindfulness Integration:
Swimful is not just about learning to swim; it’s about building a meaningful connection with the water through mindfulness. This approach emphasizes breath control, emotional regulation, and a deep sense of calm and focus. Techniques like deep breathing and meditation help reduce stress and anxiety, making swimming a serene and enjoyable experience for children.
Personalized Progress:
Unlike traditional swim programs that use a rigid pass/fail system, Swimful recognizes that each swimmer has a unique journey. Our curriculum prioritizes personal progress and growth, allowing children to develop at their own pace. This personalized approach ensures that every child feels successful and confident in their swimming abilities.
One-on-One Instruction:
Our dedicated instructors provide individualized attention, tailoring lessons to meet the specific needs and abilities of each swimmer. This one-on-one instruction fosters a supportive and encouraging environment where children can thrive.
Why Mindfulness Matters
Mindfulness is at the core of the Swimful curriculum and offers numerous benefits for young swimmers:
Stress Reduction: Mindfulness practices help reduce stress and anxiety, which is especially beneficial for young children who may feel nervous about being in the water.
Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness helps children recognize and understand their emotions, leading to better emotional regulation both in and out of the water.
Improved Focus and Attention: Mindfulness exercises can enhance concentration and attention span, which are essential skills for learning to swim.
Enhanced Social Skills: Mindfulness teaches children to be more present and attentive in social interactions, improving their communication and relationships with others.
Creating an Inclusive Environment
At watermellow, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every child feels welcome and valued. We celebrate the diversity of our instructors and swimmers, recognizing the unique abilities and strengths each individual brings to our community. Our mission is to create a supportive space where people of all abilities can thrive, learn, and enjoy the benefits of swimming.
Swimming offers a multitude of benefits for individuals with various physical or neurodiversities. It can enhance physical fitness, improve coordination, and provide gentle, low-impact exercise that is accessible to many. Beyond physical benefits, swimming can also boost mental health by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. For those with neurodiverse conditions, the sensory experience of being in water can be incredibly soothing and therapeutic. We are committed to providing tailored instruction and support to ensure that everyone can experience the joy and advantages of swimming.
Our curriculum, rooted in mindfulness and personalized growth, offers a refreshing and holistic approach to swimming education. Whether your child is taking their first dip or honing their swimming skills, our Swimful curriculum is designed to support their journey every step of the way.
Come join us and discover how Swimful can make a splash in your child’s life, fostering a lifelong love for the water and a deeper sense of mindfulness and well-being.
Meet Kaylee Kennedy
I'm Kaylee Kennedy, the founder of watermellow.
Our renowned swimming program nurtures and develops each baby's unique abilities.
Inspired by my experience as a young mom teaching my little one to swim, I'm passionate about swimming and its benefits for early childhood development.
Join us at watermellow to help your baby grow an amazing relationship with the water in a safe and supportive environment, creating lasting memories together.