07/25/2026
💙 World Drowning Prevention Day 💙
For Academy Swim Club, this day is deeply personal. In 1994, our founders, Jim and Nikki, experienced every parent’s worst nightmare.
After returning home one afternoon, they discovered that their one-year-old son, Dakota, had fallen into their spa while his babysitter was briefly inside the house. Thankfully, his four-year-old brother, Garrett, had already learned to swim. Even though he couldn’t touch the bottom or easily reach his little brother, he courageously jumped into the spa and pulled Dakota to safety.
Dakota survived—but the experience changed their family forever.
Jim and Nikki knew that what happened that day could have easily ended in tragedy for both of their sons. They made a promise that no family should have to experience what they did if they could help prevent it.
That promise became Academy Swim Club.
Today, the same little boy whose life was saved—Dakota—is now the CEO and owner of Academy Swim Club. Alongside his wife, Tayler, he continues the mission his parents began over 30 years ago: helping children build confidence, develop life-saving water skills, and create safer experiences around water.
Every lesson we teach is rooted in that mission.
Every float learned.
Every child who gains confidence.
Every family who leaves feeling more prepared.
Today, on World Drowning Prevention Day, we encourage every family to make water safety a priority.
💙 Learn to swim.
💙 Stay within arm’s reach of young children around water.
💙 Always provide active adult supervision.
💙 Continue practicing water safety skills year-round.
Because every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy the water safely.
Learn to Swim... for LIFE. 🏊
