Incorporating the thought of water and my children was most probably one of my worst fears. To me, no matter what the situation was, water, was the only element I knew my children would not be able save themselves in if they were in a life or death situation. Going to the swimming pool or to the beach was not rest and relaxation, it was very stressful.
I researched swimming lessons and sometimes I would even enroll them in the traditional swimming classes, but it did not give me a peace of mind. When I submitted my inquiry to my ISR Instructor, Lisa Vartanian, I was immediately impressed at her correspondence. I felt the patience and I felt her devotion through her emails. It was because of this I immediately signed my children up for lessons. My children were complete strangers to water, and being able to manipulate it was something impossible. I was told that lessons would take from four (4) to six (6) weeks for my children to become skilled ISR students….my reaction was….yeah, right. However, Lisa seemed completely optimistic and was very positive.
I get very emotional when I try and explain how I felt about my children and the water before lessons with Lisa. But now, knowing that in the event they ever fall into a pool or pond, they have the skills to manipulate the water. They have skills to save themselves, whether in a swimming suit or fully clothed. Lisa has the most comprehensive training skills I have ever experienced with my children. She was very informative of the ISR program and her experience showed working with my children. My two year old son does not understand English very well, but he understood Lisa’s technique, and understood her body language. My five year old daughter, who never dared to submerge her face into water, now is a skilled ISR swimmer. I am so proud! My daughter is more experienced than most 10 to 12-year-old students I have noticed at the pool. What is even more overwhelming to watch, is my daughter swimming the length of an Olympic-sized pool, and in the midst of her swim utilizing ISR's techniques by floating to rest before she turns and swims again.
Lisa has given me a different perspective in life, what was once one of my worst fears, now has become a pleasurable thought. I experienced a person that cared about my children’s safety and well being. She would laugh hysterically at the silly statements my daughter made in the pool and she took the time to listen and put our minds at ease. We left her session thankful that we had the honor to meet her, and be part of her program.
Thank you,
Chris M.
