December 2023

How Ava Became a Citizen of the Swim

Ava’s tiny toes are perfectly aligned with the pool’s edge. She bounces in place, announces “I’m jumping in!” and then springs confidently into the water. Her poise makes it hard to believe that her swim journey began with apprehension.

According to Neiko, Ava’s father, before the MarciSwim 7-day program, where kids aged nine months to five years learn to swim to safety, Ava “was crying a lot and wanting to run to Daddy and Mommy.” Looking back, Neiko says, “Marci prepared me for it. She said Ava was probably not going to like it, she's going to cry, but it's OK.” Making it through, he proudly adds, “It’s been the best thing for her. She looks forward to swimming every week.”

The way Ava’s mother Alexis sees it, “There are certain things that, although they can be scary or outside of your comfort zone, some things are necessary.” Swimming is a must-have life skill, Alexis insists, so she and Neiko pushed through their discomfort and watched as Coach Marci encouraged, coaxed, and comforted their baby girl into becoming a 7-day swimmer.

Alexis’ ideas about swimming were shaped during her childhood spent in and around water in Miami, FL. Long before Ava was born, Alexis imagined trips to the pool and beach vacations with her family. “I wanted to make sure that there weren't limitations. I know that Ava can be an active participant in the fun as she develops her skills with swimming.”

Before MarciSwim, Ava could float on her back. Now, she rolls from her back, to her stomach and then face-up again to take a breath with the ease of a baby otter. She’s also learned that jumping into the pool is a thrill but it’s part of a process. Before the plunge, she communicates to let her coaches and parents know that she’s entering the water. Most importantly, Ava knows how to turn back to the edge and swim to safety.

Describing Ava’s development, Alexis says “She's learning responsibility. She's developing this routine and this schedule in her mind.” At bath time, Ava takes the initiative to practice blowing bubbles. On swim days, she reminds her parents of her lessons as she rises from bed and is sure to pack her goggles.

In the beginning, Neiko and Alexis defined swim success as water safety. What they learned is that swimming has offered Ava so much more. Her maturity is growing along with her swimming skills and – in or out of the water – her future looks limitless.