Commitment to Water Safety
Water is a part of childhood. Safety should be too.
Our mission is simple: to reduce risk through intentional skills, individualized instruction, and a commitment to true water competence — not temporary fixes.
Every skill we teach serves a purpose. Every lesson builds protection.
Our commitment to water safety means we are intentional with every lesson. We do not believe in simply going through the motions—our focus is on making sure children truly learn and develop the skills they need in the water. Families can trust that our approach is designed to deliver real, lasting results.
Our Programs
Meet the Team
At ISR with Sofiia, our team is made up of passionate, experienced instructors dedicated to building safe, confident swimmers through individualized instruction.
As a small, family-centered program, we are intentional about who we bring on. Each instructor shares our commitment to water safety, skill development, and creating a supportive, positive learning environment.
Through one-on-one lessons, we tailor each experience to the swimmer’s unique needs — helping every child gain lifelong skills and confidence in the water.
Founder & Certified ISR instructor
Sofiia Filatova
From the moment I first dipped into a pool at age six, I knew the water would always be part of my life. What began as a personal passion grew into a lifelong purpose — helping others discover confidence, safety, and joy in the water.
As a former national champion swimmer for Russia and Division I athlete at the University of Kansas, I’ve spent years mastering both the art and science of swimming. Today, I’m proud to bring that experience to my work as a certified Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) instructor and professional swim coach.But beyond the strokes and skills, my heart has always been with the children. I truly love what I do because I get to witness the incredible moment when a child realizes, “I can do this.” Whether it’s a six-month-old baby learning to float for the first time or a competitive swimmer refining their technique, my goal is the same — to help each child feel safe, capable, and proud in the water.
Every child learns differently, and that’s what makes this work so special. I take the time to understand each little personality, offering a gentle, supportive approach that builds trust and lasting confidence. Teaching children isn’t just my career — it’s my calling.
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Swim Instructor
Shawn Lynn-Bequette
With over 33 years of competitive swim coaching and instruction experience, Ms. Shawn brings a wealth of knowledge, professionalism, and passion to our team. Throughout her career, she has worked with swimmers of all ages and ability levels, from beginners building foundational skills to advanced athletes refining technique.
Ms. Shawn is deeply passionate about helping children grow not only as swimmers but as confident individuals in and around the water. Her teaching approach focuses on skill development, water safety, and fostering a positive, encouraging environment where each swimmer feels supported and motivated.
She believes that learning to swim should be both effective and enjoyable. By combining technical instruction with patience and encouragement, her goal is to inspire confidence, build motivation, and cultivate a lifelong love of the water in every child she teaches.
As a small, family-focused swim program, we are intentional about who we bring onto our team. Ms. Shawn’s values, experience, and dedication to individualized instruction make her an incredible addition to ISR with Sofiia, and we are proud to have her serving our families and swimmers.
Infant Swimming Resource Lessons (ISR)
Roll Back to Float
For non-walking infants and children able to sit independently.
This sequence teaches a child to roll from a face-down position onto their back, float independently to rest and breathe, and maintain stability in the water until help arrives.
This skill prioritizes airway protection and self-regulation.
Swim-Float-Swim
For walking toddlers and developmentally ready children.
Children learn to swim with their face in the water, roll onto their back to float and rest, then return to a forward swim — repeating the sequence as needed to reach safety.
This alternating sequence builds stamina, breath control, and purposeful movement toward an exit point.
Traditional Lessons (3+)
In our program, private lessons are one-on-one and designed to build true independence in the water.
• 20-minute, one-on-one lessons
• Individualized approach
• Safety-based skill progression
• Focusing on breath control, floating, and independent movement
Safety is woven into every lesson. From the start, children learn to control their breath, move independently, and find their float to rest and breathe.
We focus on building real skills first—independent swimming, rolling to the back, and floating—before introducing strokes. This creates swimmers who are not just comfortable, but capable and prepared.
Our focus is on delivering real results and making sure children truly learn the skills they need in the water. That is the foundation behind how our lessons are structured and why our program is designed the way it is.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We believe informed parents make safer swimmers.
Why are lessons only 10 or 20 minutes?
Because little humans have big feelings and short attention spans. Shorter lessons allow us to keep them engaged, learning, and not completely over it by minute 12.
What if my child cries during lessons?
Totally normal. New environment, new skills, big emotions—it happens. We work through it in a calm, supportive way so they can move past it and keep learning.
When can my child start?
For ISR, as soon as they can sit independently (usually around 6 months). For traditional lessons, around age 3 when they’re ready to follow a bit more direction.
When do children learn strokes?
Not right away—and that’s intentional. We focus on safety and independence first. Once those skills are solid, strokes come much easier (and actually make sense to them).
Do you offer makeups?
Yes—we offer one makeup per month, based on availability. We know kids get sick, plans change, and life happens. We’ll always do our best to fit you in, but consistency really is what helps these skills stick.
How quickly will my child learn?
Every child is different, but our goal is always real, functional progress—not just going through the motions. Some days will feel like big wins, some days… not so much (because, kids). But we stay consistent so the skills actually stick.
NEWSLETTER
Helping you feel more prepared around water.
Contact
©2026 by ISR with Sofiia.