
Who we are
Our Philosphy
We believe that swimming is not just a skill but a lifelong passion that can bring immense joy, build confidence, and promote a healthy lifestyle. Our philosophy is centered around creating a positive and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and develop essential life skills through swimming.
Here are some key elements of our philosophy:
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Holistic Development: Our swimming program extends beyond teaching strokes and techniques. We emphasize holistic development by nurturing essential life skills such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and goal setting. We encourage children to set personal goals and celebrate their achievements, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.
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Building Confidence: We understand that some children may feel anxious or fearful around water. We strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment that empowers children to overcome their fears and build confidence in the water. Our instructors use gentle encouragement, positive reinforcement, and gradual progression to help children develop trust in their abilities.
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Safety First: Safety is our utmost priority. We maintain a safe and secure swimming environment, ensuring that our facilities, equipment, and teaching techniques comply with the highest safety standards. Our instructors are trained in CPR and water safety, and they closely monitor each child's progress to ensure their well-being.
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Family Involvement: We recognize the importance of family involvement in a child's swimming journey. We encourage parents and guardians to actively participate in their child's progress by attending lessons, offering support, and reinforcing skills outside of class. We also organize family events and workshops to foster a sense of community among our swimming school families.
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Inclusive Environment: We believe in creating an inclusive and diverse community where every child feels welcome and valued. We celebrate differences and promote a culture of respect and acceptance among our students and staff. We adapt our teaching methods to accommodate children with diverse needs, ensuring that everyone can participate and benefit from our swimming program.
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Individualized Learning: We recognize that every child is unique, with their own abilities, fears, and learning styles. Our instructors take a personalized approach, focusing on each child's strengths and areas for improvement. We provide individual attention, encouragement, and support to help them progress at their own pace.
Director of Instruction
Natasha Payne

I have been involved in aquatics for most of my life, starting with my own swimming lessons as a child and progressing into participation on swim and water polo teams through college. I graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Recreation Management and have continued to teach lessons throughout the years, and it has been my true passion! I love to see the moment when swimmers begin to understand their abilities and how to work with the water. The joy is inevitable and overwhelming.
I live in Oregon City on a blueberry farm with my family. My husband Gabe and I have 3 children. Gibsen 20, Gennacy 18 and Gylan 16. We all enjoy spending time together, camping, paddle boarding and traveling.



Ownership
(Eight really is enough, trust me!)
What do you get when you throw together
four dear friends, their four cool kids, and
a few crazy dogs?
The ownership family of Portland's newest swimming school.
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More to come...
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For the last decade plus, Desi has been operating a successful small business she and a business partner created, Moso Graphics. Kurt spent nearly two decades in operations management in companies large and small.
In 2021, Desi and Kurt founded the early childhood education center, Higher Elevations Learning Place.