We are now open year round for swim lessons. Call or text (951) 458-2056 to book your sessions.
Unlock Your Child's Full Swimming Potential in a Safe and Fun Environment
Meet your Instructor!
Christina Gabrielle Roy
Hello, my name is Christina Roy. I am a 37-year-old dedicated professional from Murrieta, CA, with a deep-rooted passion for water safety, child education, and child development. My journey into this field was inspired by my personal experiences as a mother of four. I understand how overwhelming and daunting the water can seem when it comes to ensuring our children's safety. This understanding has driven me to devote my career to helping children and adults alike develop not only the skills necessary to navigate the water but also the confidence to enjoy it fully. With an Associate's degree in Social Science, a minor in Early Childhood Education, and certifications in CPR, Advanced PADI Diving, and Peak Performance Buoyancy, I offer a distinctive and comprehensive approach to swimming instruction. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Biology, which greatly deepens my understanding of how the human body interacts with water. This ongoing education allows me to integrate a deeper knowledge of natural processes into my teaching, enabling my students to not only learn to swim but also to comprehend the underlying factors that influence their movements and safety in the water. With over 15 years of experience, I have taught swimming to children of all ages and skill levels. My approach is holistic, focusing on more than just the mechanics of swimming. I emphasize the importance of water safety, teaching children how to respect and understand the water's dynamics, and ensuring they know how to keep themselves safe. This foundation in water safety is crucial, as it empowers children to approach swimming with confidence and knowledge. My expertise in advanced diving techniques and buoyancy control, developed through my Advanced PADI Diving License and Peak Performance Buoyancy certification, allows me to bring a higher level of understanding to my lessons. I teach children and adults alike how to control their buoyancy and body positioning in the water, which not only enhances their swimming efficiency but also improves their overall comfort and safety in the water. These skills are especially beneficial for children, as mastering buoyancy early on can lead to faster progress and greater confidence in their swimming abilities. In addition to water safety and diving techniques, my background in child education and child development plays a pivotal role in my teaching methods. Specializing in listening cues, following instructions, and social interaction, I am adept at creating engaging, fun, and effective learning environments. I use sensory learning techniques tailored to each child's unique needs, ensuring that they develop not just physically but also cognitively and socially through their swimming lessons. This holistic developmental approach means that children are learning valuable life skills alongside their swimming education. My specialized focus on working with children with autism and other special needs is another key aspect of my professional expertise. Through tailored swimming lessons and developmental activities, I help improve speech, coordination, social skills, self-esteem, and cognitive processing. The water becomes a therapeutic environment where these children can thrive, building skills that go beyond swimming and translate into their everyday lives. In addition to my work with children, I also teach adults how to overcome trauma from past experiences and learn to build trust in the water again. Water can be a source of fear and anxiety for many, but through compassionate and supportive instruction, I help adults regain confidence and find joy in swimming. This process is not just about learning to swim; it’s about healing and empowerment, turning the water into a place of peace and enjoyment. I firmly believe in the power of individualized instruction and the value of building a solid rapport with each student, whether a child or an adult. My teaching approach is grounded in patience, understanding, and a sincere commitment to helping every student succeed. By incorporating sensory learning, social interaction, and a fun atmosphere into my lessons, I ensure that students not only master essential skills but also find joy in the learning process. Throughout my career, I have made a significant impact on many families in the area. My dedication to improving the lives of children through swimming and developmental education has earned me a reputation as a compassionate and effective instructor. Whether it’s helping a child overcome their fear of water, guiding them through the intricacies of swimming and diving techniques, or aiding in the development of crucial social skills, I am committed to making a positive difference in the community. My work has not only helped individuals learn to swim but has also empowered them to face the water with confidence, knowledge, and joy.
Swimming Levels
Level 1: Green - Beginner Buoyancy Basics
Focus: Introduction to Water Comfort and Basic Buoyancy
- Water acclimation (getting comfortable in water)
- Basic floating techniques (front and back float)
- Kicking while using a buoyancy aid (kickboard)
- Introduction to breath control (blowing bubbles)
Level 2: Yellow- Intermediate Buoyancy Control
Focus: Building Swim Strokes with Enhanced Buoyancy
- Mastery of floating without aids
- Introduction to basic swim strokes (freestyle and backstroke)
- Introduction to butterfly stroke (focusing on rhythm and coordination)
- Buoyancy control (learning to maintain buoyancy while transitioning between strokes)
- Underwater swimming with controlled breathing
Level 3: Blue - Advanced Buoyancy Mastery
Focus: Refining Techniques and Endurance
- Proficiency in all basic swim strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke)
- Introduction to sidestroke
- Diving techniques and underwater endurance
- Mastery of buoyancy control in various swim environments (deep water, currents)
Level 4: - Competitive Stroke Refinement
Focus: Enhancing Stroke Efficiency and Speed
- Advanced freestyle and backstroke techniques (focus on speed and endurance)
- Refinement of butterfly and breaststroke with a focus on competitive techniques
- Flip turns and push-offs for competitive swimming
- Introduction to starts and finishes for races
Level 5: - Endurance and Open Water Preparation
Focus: Building Stamina and Preparing for Open Water Challenges
- Long-distance freestyle and backstroke endurance training
- Open water swim techniques (navigation, sighting, adapting to different conditions)
- Advanced buoyancy control in various water environments (open water, waves, currents)
- Introduction to drafting and pacing strategies for open water swim
Level 6: - Elite Swimming and Lifesaving Techniques
Focus: Mastery of Elite Techniques and Lifesaving Skills
- Mastery of all competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and treading water)
- Competitive swimming techniques for races (including starts, turns, and finishes)
- Lifesaving skills (advanced rescue techniques, towing, and lifesaving carries)
- Underwater endurance and breath-holding techniques
- Advanced diving and retrieval techniques
Got any Questions for us?
What are the benefits of private 1-on-1 instruction?
Private lessons enable your child to be taught at their own specific individual pace. All lessons are catered to your child’s needs and learning style.
How many instructors do you have?
Little Otters Swim School School currently has 1 instructor. For the 2024 season the instructor will be Christina Gabrielle Roy
How many lessons per week are suggested?
We recommend your child swims a minimum of once per week but two lessons per week is ideal to really expediate the swim needs of your child.
What does my child need to bring to class?
Your child will need to bring a bathing suit and towel. All else will be supplied.
Do I need to be prepared to get in the water with my child?
If your child has an extreme fear of the water I ask that you bring your bathing suit and be prepared to get in and assist until your child becomes comfortable entering the water with just me.
What if my child cries and is scared during the lesson?
All Lessons are catered to the child and parents needs/ wants. I can work your child into the pool at the pace that is most comfortable for you and your child. I am very experienced working with fearful children.
How long does it take for my child to learn how to swim?
Every child will learn at their own pace depending on their comfortability with water and age that they start swimming. We encourage children to take swim lessons until they have built up their stroke technique. Some decide to leave before learning their strokes. Regardless of the end goal, every child learns at his or her own pace which can be a few months to a few years depending on age.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the pool will be heated from 85-92 degrees depending on current weather to ensure your child is comfortable in the water.
What age is ideal to start swim lessons?
We start swimming lessons at 6 months of age and sometimes younger. It is never too late to learn how to swim.