Our Story
Our Swimplified™ Story
“In the middle of chaos lies opportunity” – Bruce Lee
As we are all no doubt aware, COVID and the global pandemic has wreaked havoc across the world. Instead of seeing this as a catastrophe we choose to see this as an opportunity. During the lockdown period, our scheduled swimming classes were forcefully put on hold which took us all by surprise. In addition to our anxiety, we experienced a “parent panic pandemic” based on the realization that the crucial window period or “sweet spot” to teach water safety could be lost.
Like many industries we have had to adapt and elected to conduct our usual classes via Zoom and were completely impressed by the unprecedented positive response. We recognize that parents are ideally placed to be their child’s own swim coach and more so as they have a trust and comfort bond with their child.
The barriers that would usually take several tiresome, frustrating sessions to break through could now easily be overcome. The trust and separation anxiety that kids and parents often have to endure during swimming lessons is no longer an issue. The kids feel secure as they are in the loving arms of one of their parents, relatives or caregivers with whom they trust, love and feel safe whilst, in their own environment, whether it is in a bath a blow-up pool a jacuzzi and/or of course the swimming pool.
For the first SIX crucial steps one does not yet need the swimming pool as a bath or blow-up baby pool suffice well enough for instructing parents and their little ones THE SWIMPLIFIED™ METHOD was created by us, sisters, Lara Gillman and Robyn Uria, given our vast expertise and experience teaching infants and kids to swim with ease and confidence for the past 30 years.
The main objective of this method, being, to promote the absolute love of water, and developing an essential life skill of swimming. Given necessity being the mother of invention our SWIMPLIFIED™ METHOD evolved and was developed to help guide parents through the sometimes-tricky waters of swimming lessons.
We have created a system that is easily accessible for EVERYONE and the 10 SIMPLE STEPS will become a part of the kids’ routine, which experts all agree is vital. We have been extremely encouraged at the astonishing results which have been achieved, despite the challenges of the pandemic With the SWIMPLIFIED™ METHOD.
Parents are now empowered with the knowledge and tools to teach their OWN kids the skill to be safe, savvy and SWIMMING simply and successfully. SWIMPLIFIED™!
Our Swimplified™ Story
Lara Gillman
Swim and Physical Education Coach
I was introduced to the water as an infant. My mother was a swim instructor as were both my aunts. We grew up on a house on a river so learning to love and respect the water came naturally to me.
I’ve been a swimming teacher for over 35 years. My passion is working with young children. My background is in early childhood education.
I taught preschool for many years, became a physical education teacher and sports coach, teaching fundamental basic sports skills as well as life skills.
Being a mother of two I believe that with consistency and patience, young children can develop all skills taught to them.
Robyn Uria
Infant and Toddler Swim Coach
I’ve been teaching swimming for 34 years. I swam competitively throughout school. Was introduced to water safety classes at age 18 and have been teaching across the globe since then.
South Africa-Usa-London-Mexico
I believe a daily routine is KEY. Therefore I have always taught a five to 10 consecutive day program . Converting children who are afraid of water to loving water, has been my life’s calling.
Teaching kids how to swim is my passion and I am so excited to share my expertees work.There is no better reward than watching a child glide through the water with a huge smile on their face.
I’m gratefull for my experience, patience and knowledge to have helped so many families .
Frequently Asked Questions
NEVER swim alone no matter what age.
NO its a one time download and you get all 10 steps.
Depends on age and again every child is different and grows and learns at different levels. We do believe if parents stick to a routine the results are quick.
Every child is different, they might love blowing bubbles but not enjoy laying on back. be patient but firm as our goal here is not only to get our kids safe but learn to love the water.
Not all babies like this; your baby may squirm. It’s OK to get water in your baby’s ears. Don’t try to dry the inside of your baby’s ears with cotton swabs (Q-tips); you can damage the eardrum. We recommend tilting head from side to side and always having some swimmers ear drops which dries the water stuck in canals.
4-5 months. Strong enough neck muscles to support the head, more developed vision and self awareness and ability to express themselves.