We’re always excited to share families’ ISR stories, and especially so when parents take the time to detail their experiences in lessons as well as how their children’s Self-Rescue® skills impact their lives.
“I’m writing this because I believe full heartedly in this program and in Lisa. After the twins completed their successful first course last year, summer began and we spent just about everyday in our pool or visiting the beaches. Lisa’s lessons and the twins’ skills both were put to the test last summer.”
My name is Marisa P. and my husband and I live in North Muskegon, Mi with our 4 young children. Each of our kids has participated in the ISR program with great success. Honestly, it has been some of the best time and money we’ve ever invested in our family. We were lucky enough to start our ISR journey with Michael Petrella. Our oldest children, who are now 6 and 4, spent the most time in the water with Michael from infancy. With his natural gift and patience with children, they were proficient, confident and truly capable of saving themselves in the event of a water emergency from infants to present day.
When we had twins, there was no doubt we would also enroll them in the program. At this time Michael was in transition to finding someone just as exceptional and skilled as himself to take over more of his time here in Muskegon. We are so delighted he found Lisa Johnson to take the reins. Lisa started working with the twins, Will and Penelope, in the spring of 2016, shortly after their first birthday. We have been so fortunate that Lisa has proven that she also exhibits that natural talent and unwavering approach for teaching this program. She brings her own insight and gentleness as a dedicated mother of four. Her lessons are infused with lots of positive praise, snuggles, and play. It’s always so fun and reassuring to see her enjoying our children as much as we do! All while teaching them, and giving them the most valuable gift of this self rescue skill.
I’m writing this because I believe full heartedly in this program and in Lisa. After the twins completed their successful first course last year, summer began and we spent just about everyday in our pool or visiting the beaches. Lisa’s lessons and the twins’ skills both were put to the test last summer.
Having a pool, we have lots of friends over to play. As many parents know, it only takes a split second for accidents to happen. There were 8 adults around our pool area and not a one of us saw Penelope, then 19mo, fall into the water. The first I was aware she was in the pool was when my 3-year-old son said, “I’ll get her mom!” I had only been sitting feet away from the edge of the pool but was distracted for just a moment. In that time Penelope had fallen in and instead of sinking face first to the bottom, she was able to flip herself face up in the perfect starfish back float. It was truly amazing. It all happened so quickly my son was already reacting by kneeling by the edge and grabbing her hand to pull her to the side. I quickly scooped her up and mentally thanked Lisa for teaching my daughter how to save herself when others couldn’t. I know, I always said, “I wouldn’t let that happen, I’ll always keep an eye on my kids when they’re around water.” But I can’t stress enough how quickly that event took place.
Penelope’s twin, Will, also demonstrated his skills for us last summer, albeit, in not quite such a dramatic fashion. With my husband and I both attending to pool chores and our other kids, again were just feet away, we both watched as Will reached for a ball floating in the pool and fell in face first. His response time to turn his little head toward the sky and air, and flip to have his back on the water, was instant. It truly was like an instinct for him to “get air.” I could see his eyes darting around for an edge. Again we were able to pull him to safety, but if we hadn’t been there, I’m confident he would have used his problem solving skills learned in his ISR training and would have been able to rescue himself out of the pool.
ISR is more than just teaching children to self rescue in the water, which in itself is priceless enough. But it’s also given our kids the confidence to know that they can accomplish something that at first seems difficult. And it’s given our whole family the joy of watching our kids become just like little fish in the water! It’s such a joy! They have skills, poise and respect for the water that usually isn’t found until much later in life. The peace of mind to know that they have the knowledge and ability to make safe, smart choices around water is invaluable.
I wrote this today because I just registered the twins for their refresher lessons. When someone teaches your children such important life lessons, it’s easy to become friends with them. Especially Lisa and Michael. I asked Lisa if I could share my story since it was fresh on my mind today. If you’re thinking about signing up for lessons with Lisa, she is one of the kindest, most “positive energy” people, I’ve ever met. She will instill life-changing knowledge in your children that you will be continually grateful for. And as a parent, I’m so pleased that we have her and the ISR program accessible to us here in West Michigan.
Thank you for what you do, Michael and Lisa!
Marisa P.,
North Muskegon, Mi
ISR kids: Charlotte, Graham, Will and Penelope
