Swimming Lessons by Brandy Gerard Gautreau

🏊‍♀️🌊 Jojo & Eli's Swim Success! 🌊🏊‍♂️
These two worked so hard during their 8 lessons, and I'm incredibly proud of their progress!
Jojo came to lessons already able to swim, but she relied heavily on goggles. Without them, she didn't have the confidence to use her skills when it mattered most. After talking about why it's important to be able to swim without goggles in a real-life emergency, we went back to the basics and rebuilt that confidence.
By the end of lessons, Jojo was swimming with her eyes in, jumping in and getting herself back to safety, and swimming a beginner breaststroke—all without the hindrance of goggles. What a transformation!
Eli also had an amazing session. He is now floating on his back, swimming with his eyes in, monkey walking around the pool, and showing off strong kicks and pulls. His confidence and independence in the water have grown so much.
Watching swimmers gain lifesaving skills and confidence is the best part of what I do. Great job, Jojo and Eli! 💙

Why Exhaling Underwater Is Important 🌊

Many beginners focus on inhaling but forget that good breathing starts with proper exhaling.

⚠️ When swimmers don't exhale underwater:
• They feel out of breath quickly 😮‍💨
• Breathing becomes rushed 😰
• Swimming rhythm gets disturbed
• They tire faster

✅ Good swimmers:
• Exhale slowly through the nose or mouth underwater 💨
• Empty their lungs before turning to breathe
• Maintain a smooth breathing pattern

💡 Coach Tip:
Don't hold your breath. Blow bubbles underwater and make breathing natural.

🏊‍♂️ Way to Go, Wyatt! 🏊‍♂️
Wyatt finished his lessons with some wonderful progress in the pool!
🌊 Powerful, independent kicks
🌊 Monkey walking along the wall
🌊 Climbing in and out of the pool safely
🌊 Becoming comfortable with his ears submerged during back float practice
🌊 Kicking independently with a noodle
Every lesson brought a little more confidence and skill. I'm so proud of the hard work Wyatt put in over these two weeks and all the progress he made! 💙🌊

🏊‍♂️ Spencer's 2-Week Progress 🏊‍♂️
Spencer loves the water and made great progress over these 8 lessons!
🌊 Stronger kicks and forward movement
🌊 Using a noodle to rest and get a breath in deeper water
🌊 Monkey walking along the wall
🌊 Jumping in and returning to safety
🌊 Retrieving sinkies from underwater
🌊 Beginning back float skills
It has been wonderful watching his confidence grow and seeing him become more comfortable trying new skills in the water. Great job, Spencer! 💙🌊

🏊‍♂️ Ben Finished Week 2 Strong! 🏊‍♂️
Ben packed a lot of learning into just 8 lessons, and I couldn't be more proud of him!
🌊 He can now swim across the pool using elementary backstroke. 🌊 He is swimming on his front using two different swim strokes. 🌊 He can jump in and get himself back to safety independently. 🌊 He even conquered the diving board this session!
Beyond swimming skills, we also talked about important water safety concepts. Ben learned strategies for: ✅ What to do if caught in a rip current ✅ How to conserve energy if he gets tired in the water ✅ Ways to safely reach a destination without exhausting himself
There were so many other victories over these 8 lessons that are hard to capture in one post. The biggest change wasn't just his skills—it was his confidence, endurance, and understanding of how to keep himself safe in the water.
Watching swimmers connect the skills together and become more independent is one of my favorite parts of teaching. Great job, Ben! 💙🌊👏

💦 Swim Lesson Assistance Available 💦

If your child is already enrolled in swim lessons this season and you are looking for financial assistance, the Autism Society of Acadiana may be able to help through our 2026 Stipend Program. 💙
📅 Applications accepted February 15 – April 15

Apply here: https://acadianaautism.org/stipend-application

Please note: My swim schedule is currently full for this season.

✨ The Autism Society of Acadiana will also be hosting our FREE Water Safety Classes again this year — keep an eye out for those dates coming soon!

Water safety is so important in Louisiana. We are committed to making sure families have access to resources. 💙

Please share with anyone who may benefit.

Pool is calling my name- anyone else??!

National Bath Safety Month 🛁
Swimming Lessons by Brandy Gerard Gautreau reminds you that National Bath Safety Month is the perfect time to review bath safety at home. Never leave children unattended in the bathtub—drownings can happen in just inches of water.
✔ Stay within arm’s reach
✔ Use slip-resistant mats or strips
✔ Use proper supports when needed
Simple steps can save lives. 💙

Get to Know Me

I have been teaching swimming since I was 15 years old—back when my mom was still driving me to work. Now at 41, with decades of experience behind me, I’ve developed my own curriculum shaped by time, growth, and deep respect for each individual swimmer.

Over the years, my teaching style has evolved alongside additional certifications and hands-on experience. My lessons are rooted in fun, trust, and confidence. I believe children learn best when they feel safe and supported, so I never force a child or push them beyond their comfort level. I have no desire to teach in an environment that feels stressful or miserable—for the child, the parent, or myself.

Because of this approach, my students make meaningful progress. They build confidence, develop real skills, and most importantly, learn water safety. Everything I teach is safety-based, woven naturally into each lesson.

I work with children ages 3 and up (with thoughtful exceptions) through adulthood. I am also a Certified Swim Whisperer, which means I am trained to work with children with special needs. This is more than a certification for me—it is a passion that extends beyond the pool and is supported by years of experience, continued learning, and intentional adaptation to meet each swimmer’s unique needs.

Teaching swimming is not just my job—it’s my calling. When I reflect on how many lives I’ve impacted and how many individuals I’ve helped stay safe in the water over the years, I am deeply grateful to continue doing what I love.