# Watermelon Swim > Year-round indoor swim classes ## Pages - [Our Story](https://watermelonswim.com/about-us-2-2/): about us micha's story For Micha Seal, teaching children to swim has never been just a business; it’s part of... - [Philanthropy](https://watermelonswim.com/philanthropy/): philanthropy More Than Swim Lessons: Making Waves Across Tampa Bay At Watermelon Swim, our mission goes far beyond the pool.... - [Meet the Team](https://watermelonswim.com/meet-the-team/): meet the team https://watermelonswim. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ACBJ-11500_WEB_BADGE_070726195509-400x392. png Recognized as one of the best places to work by Tampa Bay Business Journal!... - [Step Up For Students](https://watermelonswim.com/step-up-for-students-scholarship/): step up for students Step Up for Students Scholarships at Watermelon Swim Helping More Families Access Life-Saving Swim Lessons At... - [Swim Lessons in Lutz](https://watermelonswim.com/locations/lutz-swim-classes/): Dive into Expert Swim Lessons in Lutz! Enroll Now In a world of 71% water, a child will be 100%... - [Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine Form](https://watermelonswim.com/zoo-tampa-2/): PGRpdiBzdHlsZT0id2lkdGg6MTAwJTsgb3ZlcmZsb3c6aGlkZGVuOyI+CiAgPGlmcmFtZQogICAgc3JjPSJodHRwczovL3dlYmZvcm1zLnBpcGVkcml2ZS5jb20vZi8yWEJVcUdYRnJMczlzQ2t6bU9mMDNyd3JwV3VuTDhWUGhXbkFXMnhKQm9DeXhqdG1tT1lkd2FVdFJ0cWNidGdzeiIKICAgIHN0eWxlPSIKICAgICAgd2lkdGg6MTAwJTsKICAgICAgbWluLWhlaWdodDoxNDAwcHg7CiAgICAgIGJvcmRlcjpub25lOwogICAgICBvdmVyZmxvdzpoaWRkZW47CiAgICAgIGRpc3BsYXk6YmxvY2s7CiAgICAiCiAgICBzY3JvbGxpbmc9Im5vIj4KICA8L2lmcmFtZT4KPC9kaXY+ - [Zoo Tampa](https://watermelonswim.com/zoo-tampa/): PGlmcmFtZSAKICBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd2ViZm9ybXMucGlwZWRyaXZlLmNvbS9mLzMyUkY0N0kwdWM1dlgwUTh4SThjVlE0RVZ6bDJUdndWY2xIRU5CNmRKeUt4bFhiU0FiWjFKdWpNMWxwdUdJcFYxIgogIHdpZHRoPSIxMDAlIiAKICBoZWlnaHQ9IjEzMDAiIAogIHN0eWxlPSJib3JkZXI6IG5vbmU7IiAKICB0YXJnZXQ9Il90b3AiPgo8L2lmcmFtZT4= - [Pricing](https://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes-2/): pricing An Investment in Safety. A Skill for Life. At Watermelon Swim, we save lives. Drowning is the leading cause... - [Sweet Peas Gymnastics and Watermelon Swim - A splashing partnership in Brooksville](https://watermelonswim.com/sweet-peas-gymnastics/): Sweet Peas Gymnastics at Watermelon Swim Brooksville Thank you for choosing Sweet Peas Educational Gymnastics at Watermelon Swim Brooksville and... - [Swim Lessons in South Tampa](http://watermelonswim.com/locations/swim-lessons-in-south-tampa/): Dive into Expert Swim Lessons in South Tampa! Enroll Now In a world of 71% water, a child will be... - [Swim Lessons in Lutz](https://watermelonswim.com/locations/lutz-swim-classes2/): Dive into Expert Swim Lessons in Lutz! Enroll Now In a world of 71% water, a child will be 100%... - [Enroll Today](https://watermelonswim.com/enroll-today/): enroll Thank you for choosing Watermelon Swim and joining us in our mission to create a community of safer swimmers... - [2026 Calendar](http://watermelonswim.com/faq/calendar/): 2026 Calendar Here is our 2026 calendar and list of events, closures, and special dates throughout the year. In January,... - [New Location Pre-Registration - Thank You](http://watermelonswim.com/new-location-pre-registration-thank-you/): Thank You! Thank you filling out our New Location Pre-Registration form and for your interest in Watermelon Swim! A customer... - [Swim Lessons in Brooksville](http://watermelonswim.com/locations/swim-lessons-in-brooksville/): Dive into Expert Swim Lessons in Brooksville! Enroll Now Enrolling Now The world is 71% water, and your child is... - [](http://watermelonswim.com/3243-2/): 6 months – 2 years W2NoZWNrX2xlYWRfcGFpZF0=http://watermelonswim. com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Classes-Assets-Parent-Tot-1-2@2x-1. png Your child’s introduction to the water Parent Tot classes, for children 6... - [Testimonials](http://watermelonswim.com/testimonials/): Parents trust us Kids love us Your child’s confidence in the water means the world to us. That’s why we... - [Enroll Now - I Heart Radio](http://watermelonswim.com/enroll-now-iheartradio/): PGRpdiBjbGFzcz0icGlwZWRyaXZlV2ViRm9ybXMiIGRhdGEtcGQtd2ViZm9ybXM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd2ViZm9ybXMucGlwZWRyaXZlLmNvbS9mLzFGT05RUGJiQ2ZJM2FTTEpRbUxEODJXWVE2SEdGYnFCYjk2SGVhNDREejNCa0lKRlR0ZUhoQktnRW81SFhwdEdiIj48c2NyaXB0IHNyYz0iaHR0cHM6Ly93ZWJmb3Jtcy5waXBlZHJpdmUuY29tL2YvbG9hZGVyIj48L3NjcmlwdD48L2Rpdj4K - [Swim Lessons in Wesley Chapel](http://watermelonswim.com/locations/wesley-chapel-swim-classes/): Swim Lessons Wesley Chapel Dive into Expert Swimming Lessons in Wesley Chapel! Enroll Now In a world of 71% water,... - [Swim Lessons in Riverview](https://watermelonswim.com/locations/swim-lessons-in-riverview/): Dive into Expert Swim Lessons in Riverview! Enroll Now In a world of 71% water, a child will be 100%... - [Information Request- Watermelon Swim & Sweet Peas at Watermelon Swim](http://watermelonswim.com/information-request-glazer-museum/): PGRpdiBjbGFzcz0icGlwZWRyaXZlV2ViRm9ybXMiIGRhdGEtcGQtd2ViZm9ybXM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd2ViZm9ybXMucGlwZWRyaXZlLmNvbS9mLzFyMm9zUmRnalFmZ2dBRVFqS0hGMDZtNElLTTE1UDZEUXVxazJFMlB5aWt6SDhUNXpWTThkdUVOSE5aSTVrT0lqIj48c2NyaXB0IHNyYz0iaHR0cHM6Ly93ZWJmb3Jtcy5waXBlZHJpdmUuY29tL2YvbG9hZGVyIj48L3NjcmlwdD48L2Rpdj4= - [Enroll Now - Thank You](http://watermelonswim.com/enroll-now-thank-you/): Thank you for your interest in Watermelon Swim! A customer service representative will contact you shortly. If you would like... - [Giveaway](http://watermelonswim.com/giveaway/): Giveway PGRpdiBjbGFzcz0icGlwZWRyaXZlV2ViRm9ybXMiIGRhdGEtcGQtd2ViZm9ybXM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd2ViZm9ybXMucGlwZWRyaXZlLmNvbS9mLzJUWDdFa0xndmlmRGpxZFlITmtMV3BHWEpnTmJyTmNrc251VjlVTWxob25WQUpxUFZUcTI1YktsWVBLMmlYZkczIj48c2NyaXB0IHNyYz0iaHR0cHM6Ly93ZWJmb3Jtcy5waXBlZHJpdmUuY29tL2YvbG9hZGVyIj48L3NjcmlwdD48L2Rpdj4= - [Pre-Registration](http://watermelonswim.com/pre-registration/): ; - [Marketing Request Form](http://watermelonswim.com/marketing-request-form/): 0 – 6 months - [Stroke Development](http://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/upper-levels/): level 7 to swim team prep https://watermelonswim. com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SSS-24265-Watermelon-Swim-Character-Development-_All-Characters-9-Year-Old-FINAL. png keep swimming, keep growing Our stroke development classes, levels 7 to... - [Careers](https://watermelonswim.com/careers/): careers join team melon Do you want to be a part of an extraordinarily fun and community-minded team? Are you... - [faq](https://watermelonswim.com/faq/): faq Watermelon Swim FAQsYou can find our 2026 calendar information here. You may also visit the live calendar on our... - [Gift Swim](http://watermelonswim.com/gift-swim/): give the gift of confidence Give the gift of confidence and unforgettable experiences! Opt for cherished memories, increasing confidence, and... - [Client Portal](http://watermelonswim.com/current-clients/): client portal thank you for being an important slice of our watermelon family We are glad you’re enjoying our year-round,... - [Contact Us](http://watermelonswim.com/contact-us/) - [Enroll Now](http://watermelonswim.com/ready-to-enroll/): Ready to EnrollPGRpdiBjbGFzcz0icGlwZWRyaXZlV2ViRm9ybXMiIGRhdGEtcGQtd2ViZm9ybXM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd2ViZm9ybXMucGlwZWRyaXZlLmNvbS9mLzMzYXdNdE5FS3JLZGFrazNja1lLVUJITGt3cGo2ZGxJcFBTUlVjdkJwdnNqRWpaQ09vamZtUVpvZWlOeFhLZElUIj48c2NyaXB0IHNyYz0iaHR0cHM6Ly93ZWJmb3Jtcy5waXBlZHJpdmUuY29tL2YvbG9hZGVyIj48L3NjcmlwdD48L2Rpdj4KCgo= - [Students with Disabilities](http://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/students-with-disabilities/): infants - adults we create a special love for water We teach children and adults with both physical and mental... - [Adult Classes](http://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/adult-classes/): 18 years & up grown-ups can grow their swim skills too At Watermelon Swim, you are never too old to... - [Private Lessons](http://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/private-lessons/): 6 mo – 2 years http://watermelonswim. com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2yr-old-copyfull. png Your child’s introduction to the water Parent Tot classes, for children 6... - [Age 7 and up](http://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/age-7-and-up/): 7 years & up https://watermelonswim. com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Classes-Assets-7-Up@2x. png level up your swim skills Our 7 & Up class was designed for... - [Learn to Swim](http://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/learn-to-swim/): 18 months and up https://watermelonswim. com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Classes-Assets-Group-Classes-279x300. png grow with friends Our Learn to Swim group classes are 30 minutes with... - [Water Babies](https://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/water-babies/): 0 – 6 months http://watermelonswim. com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/infant-copyfull. png a free and relaxed aquatic experience for parent and infant Water babies classes,... - [Parent Tot 1 & 2](http://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/parent-tot-1-2/): 6 months – 2 years https://watermelonswim. com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Classes-Assets-Parent-Tot-1-2@2x-1. png Your child’s introduction to the water Parent Tot classes, for children 6... - [Water Safety](https://watermelonswim.com/water-safety/): water safety we believe drowning is preventable Our mission is to grow a community full of safer swimmers and reduce... - [lutz location](http://watermelonswim.com/locations/lutz-location/): Welcome to Watermelon Swim Lutz 19509 Dale Mabry Hwy, Lutz, FL 33548 Contact Information 19509 Dale Mabry Hwy. Lutz, FL... - [Locations](https://watermelonswim.com/locations/): locations choose your watermelon swim location We have four indoor, year-round Watermelon Swim locations for your convenience. All locations aim... - [Our Blog](http://watermelonswim.com/blog/): W2VsZW1lbnRvci10ZW1wbGF0ZSBpZD0iNjk5MCJd - [About Us](http://watermelonswim.com/about-us/): about us who we are Every member of Team Melon is extensively trained, enthusiastic, and child-approved! Watermelon Swim is proud... - [Swim Classes](https://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/): swim classes start swimming, start growing. https://watermelonswim. com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/26A1481F-EC2F-4B50-8776-514E3DA0FAD4. jpg water babies 0-6 months https://watermelonswim. com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_0938. jpg parent tot 1 &... - [Home](https://watermelonswim.com/): Scholarships accepted here! https://watermelonswim. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SUFS_EMA_MarkerplaceProvider_Badge_LG-01. webp swim classes come and grow your swim skills https://watermelonswim. com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/gallery-babies-copy@2x. jpg water babies FREE... ## Posts - [Monthly Melon News - August](https://watermelonswim.com/monthly-melon-news-august/): The Most Important Lesson This School Year For many families, the fall is one of the busiest times of the... - [Fun Watermelon Facts to Help Celebrate Slyce's Birthday](https://watermelonswim.com/fun-watermelon-facts-to-help-celebrate-slyces-birthday/): Slyce’s birthday is on August 3rd! To kick off the celebrations, we want to share some fun facts about watermelon.... - [Is It Okay to Stop Swim Lessons During the School Year?](https://watermelonswim.com/is-it-okay-to-stop-swim-lessons-during-the-school-year/): When school starts back up, swim lessons are often one of the first things to get pushed aside. Between homework,... - [Why Hydration is So Important, Even in The Pool](https://watermelonswim.com/why-hydration-is-so-important-even-in-the-pool/): When it comes to days by the pool, most parents and guardians are in full sun-safety mode, sunscreen, rash guards,... - [July's Monthly Melon News](https://watermelonswim.com/julys-monthly-melon-news/): Stay Consistent This Summer! With weekend trips and more activities during the summer months, it can be hard to stay... - [Staying Water Smart at Your Vacation Rental](https://watermelonswim.com/staying-water-smart-at-your-vacation-rental/): As we get deeper into summer, we know many families have vacations coming up or are starting the planning process.... - [Water Park Safety Tips](https://watermelonswim.com/water-park-safety-tips/): Here in the sunny state of Florida, we’re surrounded by some of the best water parks in the world. For... - [Updates to the American Academy of Pediatrics' Drowning Prevention Guidelines](https://watermelonswim.com/updates-to-the-american-academy-of-pediatrics-drowning-prevention-guidelines/): Keeping up with the latest water safety research is one of the best things you can do for your family,... - [June's Melon News](https://watermelonswim.com/junes-melon-news/): School’s Out! ☀️ School’s out for summer, and that means more time for the things you love. Beach days, sunny... - [Swim Lesson Aftercare Basics](https://watermelonswim.com/swim-lesson-aftercare-basics/): New to the pool? No worries, Watermelon Swim is here with simple tips to help you care for your little... - [The Importance of Learning CPR](https://watermelonswim.com/the-importance-of-learning-cpr/): The first week of June is CPR & AED Awareness Week. From June 1-7, we’re taking the opportunity to spotlight... - [How Early Swim Lessons May Help Your Child Get a Head Start](https://watermelonswim.com/how-early-swim-lessons-may-help-your-child-get-a-head-start/): Swimming is a lot more than a summer pastime. Not only is it a strength-building, life-saving skill; studies show that... - [Tips for a Safer Swims](https://watermelonswim.com/tips-for-a-safer-swims/): It’s Water Safety Week! At Watermelon Swim, one of our biggest goals is to equip families with the knowledge they... - [We’re Going Wild for National Water Safety Month ](https://watermelonswim.com/were-going-wild-for-national-water-safety-month/): We’ have some big news, Melon Families! We’re taking our mission beyond the pool and into the wild, Watermelon Swim... - [Celebrate National Water Safety Month with Watermelon Swim!](https://watermelonswim.com/celebrate-national-water-safety-month-with-watermelon-swim/): As the school year winds down and summer vacation is on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to turn your... - [Splash Safer 2026: Making Water Safety a Community Celebration 💦](https://watermelonswim.com/splash-safer-2026-making-water-safety-a-community-celebration/): As summer approaches, there’s no better time to focus on staying safer around water—especially for families with young children. That’s... - [Basic skills in swimming: How the “Three Bs” help children learn to swim](https://watermelonswim.com/now-accepting-step-up-for-students-scholarships-2/): New Month, New Swim Focus at Watermelon Swim! This month, we’re diving into the 3 B’s of swimming: Balance, Buoyancy,... - [Now Accepting Step Up for Students Scholarships!](https://watermelonswim.com/now-accepting-step-up-for-students-scholarships/): We’re excited to announce that Watermelon Swim now accepts scholarships through Step Up For Students at all of our locations!... - [​​How to Improve Your Swimming Endurance Over Time](http://watermelonswim.com/improve-swimming-endurance/): Watermelon Swim families have been asking for recommendations on how - [A Melon-Tastic Year in Review: Celebrating Our Impact in 2025](http://watermelonswim.com/a-melon-tastic-year-in-review-celebrating-our-impact-in-2025/): A Melon-Tastic Year in Review: Celebrating Our Impact in 2025 It’s been a truly melon-tastic year at Watermelon Swim, and... - [Why Swim During Winter?](http://watermelonswim.com/benefits-of-swimming-during-the-winter/): At Watermelon Swim, water safety is always in season! Year-round swimming is one of the benefits of indoor swimming during... - [Winter Water Safety Week 2025](http://watermelonswim.com/winter-water-safety-week-2025/): Winter Water Safety Week 2025 – The Importance of Year-Round Survival Skills We may be in December, but at Watermelon... - [Gingerbread Village Presented by Watermelon Swim at Glazer Children’s Museum](http://watermelonswim.com/gingerbread-village-presented-by-watermelon-swim-at-glazer-childrens-museum/): Watermelon Swim is thrilled to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s Gingerbread Village, a beloved winter tradition at Glazer... - [Giving Thanks and Giving Back: Our Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive](http://watermelonswim.com/giving-thanks-and-giving-back-our-annual-thanksgiving-food-drive/): A huge thank-you to everyone who joined in on our October fun! From swimming with pumpkins and visiting our patches... - [Merry Melon Giving Tree is Back!](http://watermelonswim.com/merry-melon-giving-tree-is-back/): At Watermelon Swim, our mission goes beyond creating a community of safer swimmers – it’s about building stronger, more supported... - [Year-Round Swim Lessons – The Risks Don’t Fall in the Fall](http://watermelonswim.com/floating-vs-swimming-2/): There’s always a lot to talk about around water safety and swim lessons in the summertime, when families enjoy the... - [Floating vs. Swimming: What's the Difference and Why Your Kid Should Have Both Skills](http://watermelonswim.com/floating-vs-swimming/): At Watermelon Swim, we often hear: “My child can float, do they really NEED to learn how to swim at... - [Festive Fun All Fall Long at Watermelon Swim!](http://watermelonswim.com/fall-festival-and-pumpkin-patch-2025/): At Watermelon Swim, fall means one thing...  Pumpkin Season! Our annual Pumpkin Patch is back, and it’s the perfect way... - [Why Swimming Through Level 6 Matters: Turning Little Melons into Safer, Confident, Competent Swimmers](http://watermelonswim.com/swimming-through-level-six/): At Watermelon Swim, our mission is simple but deeply meaningful: to grow a community of safer swimmers while reducing the risks... - [Why Your Child Cries During Swim Lessons: Understanding the Settlement Period](http://watermelonswim.com/settlement-period-in-swim-classes/): “Why won’t my child stop crying during swim class? ” “How long will it take for them to feel comfortable?... - [Sweet Peas at Watermelon Swim Brooksville is NOW Open!](http://watermelonswim.com/sweet-peas-at-watermelon-swim-brooksville-is-now-open/): Big News, Melon Family! Our newest Watermelon Swim location in Brooksville has been a splashing success, and now we’re growing... - [Don’t Get Caught in a Rip Current This Hurricane Season](http://watermelonswim.com/rip-currents-during-hurricane-season/): Here in Tampa Bay, we’re lucky to be surrounded by beautiful beaches, but with that beauty comes responsibility. One major... - [Slyce is Turning 4! Join the Celebrations All Week Long](http://watermelonswim.com/slyce-is-turning-4-join-the-celebrations-all-week-long/): Everyone’s favorite slice of watermelon has a birthday coming up and we’re celebrating in true Watermelon Swim style! Our beloved... - [Why Floaties and Water Wings Are More Dangerous Than You Think](http://watermelonswim.com/floaties-and-water-wings-are-more-dangerous-than-you-think/): Should My Child Wear Floaties in the Water Summer in Florida means long days in the water with your curious... - [Boating Safety Tips for Kids: A Guide to Staying Safer on the Water This Summer](http://watermelonswim.com/boating-safety-tips-for-kids/): Summer is in full swing here in Florida, and that means many of our Melon Families are heading out for... - [The Importance of Starting Early, Consistent, and Long-Term Swim Lessons By Watermelon Swim](http://watermelonswim.com/benefits-of-long-term-swim-lessons/): At Watermelon Swim, our mission is simple: to grow a community of safer swimmers and reduce the risks while increasing... - [Don't Miss the Watermelon Swim Brooksville Grand Opening on June 21st!](http://watermelonswim.com/dont-miss-the-watermelon-swim-brooksville-grand-opening-on-june-21st/): It’s Watermelon Season, Brooksville! We are so excited to celebrate our newest location with our Brooksville families and community on... - [The Truth About Water Safety and “Drown-Proofing”](http://watermelonswim.com/the-truth-about-water-safety-and-drown-proofing/): May is water safety month, and a time for us to highlight the many ways we can stay safer around... - [How to Stay Safe Around Natural Bodies of Water](http://watermelonswim.com/staying-safe-around-natural-bodies-of-water/): Lakes, beaches, and ponds—oh my! Living in Florida means being surrounded by water, and not just the kind in swimming... - [National Water Safety Month with Watermelon Swim](http://watermelonswim.com/national-water-safety-month-with-watermelon-swim/): April showers bring... water safety powers! That’s right – May is National Water Safety Month, a time when communities across... - [Big News: The Watermelon Swim Journey Sticker Book is Here!](http://watermelonswim.com/big-news-the-watermelon-swim-journey-sticker-book-is-here/): Watermelon Families, we have something exciting to share—something that’s been in the works for nearly a year! Introducing the Watermelon... - [A Slyce of Fun: Watermelon Swim Partners with Glazer Children’s Museum](http://watermelonswim.com/watermelonswim-partnership-glazer-museum/): Huge news, Melon Families! We’re making a splash in the community with a brand-new partnership: Watermelon Swim is now an... - [Three surprising ways swimming improves your mental health](http://watermelonswim.com/how-does-swimming-improve-mental-health/): As we leave winter behind and welcome the sunshine of spring, many of us feel an instant boost in mood.... - [March Melon Madness: Join the Fun and Win!](http://watermelonswim.com/march-melon-madness/): Move over, basketball—March Madness is back, Watermelon Swim style! This exciting tradition is your chance to win a $100 account... - [Can indoor swimming help my family stay active this winter?](http://watermelonswim.com/can-indoor-swimming-in-the-winter-help-my-family-stay-active/): Hey there, Watermelon Swim families! As the chilly winds whistle and the days get shorter, staying active might seem like... - [Winter Water Safety Week 2024](http://watermelonswim.com/winter-water-safety-week-2024/): Winter Water Safety Week 2024 The Importance of Year-Round Survival Skills At Watermelon Swim, we know that the best summer... - [Give the Gift of Swimming this Holiday Season at Watermelon Swim](http://watermelonswim.com/give-the-gift-of-swimming/): The holidays are in full swing and here at Watermelon Swim that means it’s Giving Season. As the hustle and... - [Bringing Holiday Joy to All: 2024 Melon Giving Tree](http://watermelonswim.com/bringing-holiday-joy-to-all-2024-melon-giving-tree/): https://watermelonswim. com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Giving-Tree-2024-Marketing-TVs. jpg Update: Our Merry Melon Giving Tree application is now closed. If you would like to find out... - [Annual Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival](http://watermelonswim.com/annual-pumpkin-patch-and-fall-festival-3/): Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Sed... - [Dive Into Giving: Join Watermelon Swim's Tampa Bay Food Drive!](http://watermelonswim.com/thanksgiving-food-drive/): Hey, Watermelon Swim family! As the temperatures dip and we all enjoy the cozy vibes of the coming seasons, it’s... - [Swimming and social skills: How swimming helps children develop](http://watermelonswim.com/swimming-and-social-skills/): There’s something magical about group learning for young children. Being part of a group can help your toddler or preschool-aged... - [Why indoor swimming is perfect for the fall](http://watermelonswim.com/indoor-swimming-in-fall/): When you’re the parent of a baby, toddler, or preschooler, you have to be a little more creative in finding... - [Annual pumpkin patch and fall festival](http://watermelonswim.com/pumpkin-spice-and-everything-nice/): Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice It’s Fall Y’all! At Watermelon Swim we’re gearing up for our favorite time of the... - [Swim Lessons Save Lives ](http://watermelonswim.com/swim-lessons-save-lives/): Meet the One-in-a-Melon, Kornicki family Here at Watermelon Swim, our mission is to grow a community full of safer swimmers... - [“You’re on a roll!” Teaching advanced flip turns at Watermelon Swim](http://watermelonswim.com/teaching-advanced-flip-turns-in-swimming/): From basic water safety – getting to the wall after unexpectedly being in the water – to making the wall... - [Why Watermelon Swim? Just ask our families!](http://watermelonswim.com/why-families-love-watermelon-swim/): Welcome to Watermelon Swim, where the water's warm, the fun never stops, and every splash counts! From babies as young... - [Dive into Safety with Watermelon Swim This Water Safety Week!](http://watermelonswim.com/water-safety-week-for-instructors-teaching-water-safety/): Dive into Safety with Watermelon Swim This Water Safety Week! This May, Watermelon Swim is making a splash for Water... - [Water Safety Week 2024: Raising awareness about drowning](http://watermelonswim.com/water-safety-week-2024/): Summer is approaching, meaning Water Safety Week is coming up! This annual event, held in May with National Water Safety... - [Kickoff a Safer Summer: The Importance of Kicking in Swimming](http://watermelonswim.com/kickoff-a-safer-summer-the-importance-of-kicking-in-swimming/): While we would never want to contradict Dory from Finding Nemo, at Watermelon Swim, we encourage our swimmers to “just... - [Early Swimming Lessons and Developmental Milestones: What's the Connection?](http://watermelonswim.com/early-swimming-lessons-and-developmental-milestones-whats-the-connection/): As a parent, you want to give your kids the tools and resources to succeed, prepare them to take advantage... - [5 Things You'll Love About Watermelon Swim](http://watermelonswim.com/5-things-youll-love-about-watermelon-swim/): We're made from and surrounded by water. It's ever-present, and while exciting, it commands our respect and understanding. That's why,... - [Annual Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival](http://watermelonswim.com/annual-pumpkin-patch-and-fall-festival-2/): It’s pumpkin season, Tampa Bay – and our annual Pumpkin Patch will open Friday, October 6th. Pick your perfect pumpkin... - [A Splash of Equity: Ensuring Water Safety for All Kids](http://watermelonswim.com/drowing-equity/): At Watermelon Swim, we're all about looking out for our little ones. Today, we're diving into a crucial topic: water... - [august announcements](http://watermelonswim.com/august-announcements/): Summer may be coming to a close, but the excitement continues at Watermelon Swim! As we dive into the month... - [celebrate slyce's birthday week with melontastic fun!](http://watermelonswim.com/celebrate-slyces-birthday-week-with-melontastic-fun/): Slyce's birthday is just around the corner, on August 3rd, and we are thrilled to invite each and every one... - [Splash into Tampa: Top 20 things to do with kids](http://watermelonswim.com/top-20-places-to-take-kids-in-and-around-tampa/): Welcome to Tampa, where the sun shines bright, and the options for family fun are endless! If you're searching for... - [July Announcements](http://watermelonswim.com/july-announcements/): Hi, Watermelon Swim families! We hope you're enjoying your sun-soaked summer days and making unforgettable memories in the water. As... - [June Announcements](http://watermelonswim.com/june-announcements/): This month, we have an exciting lineup announcements to share with you. So let's jump right in! Focus of the... - [May Announcements](http://watermelonswim.com/may-announcements/): Summer is here, and that means it is time to hit the pool! But before you jump in, it is... - [Get your child summer ready with swim lessons](http://watermelonswim.com/get-your-child-summer-ready-with-swim-lessons/): Summer is fast approaching! Do your summer plans include a beach trip, waterpark, or even just hanging around the pool?... - [Micha Seal - Influential Female Leader in the Greater Tampa Bay area](http://watermelonswim.com/micha-seal-influential-female-leader-in-the-greater-tampa-bay-area/): With 291 nominations, 51 remarkable women in the Tampa community became finalists in the 2023 Tampa Bay Business Women Awards... - [March Newsletter](http://watermelonswim.com/march-newsletter/): This month is full of many exciting events! First and foremost, we would like to wish everyone a fun and... - [Tampa Bay Business Women Award Finalist](http://watermelonswim.com/tampa-bay-business-women-award-finalist/): The Tampa Bay Business & Wealth magazine each year hosts an award to recognize distinguished women leaders dedicated to their... - [February Announcements](http://watermelonswim.com/february-announcements/): Happy February 1st! We are excited to share our theme for the month is "share the love". We have some... - [Upper Levels and Adults – Client Announcement](http://watermelonswim.com/upper-levels-and-adults-client-announcement/): Happy New Year Watermelon Swim Families, Over the past two years, we have seen demand for our lessons increase dramatically.... - [Ringing in the New Year!](http://watermelonswim.com/ringing-in-the-new-year/): Ringing in the New Year can also mean your little ones ringing the bell after they complete a level here... - [2023 Calendar](http://watermelonswim.com/2023-calendar/): Here is our 2023 calendar and list of events, closures, and special dates throughout the year. In January, we will... - [2022 Merry Melon Giving Tree Amazon List](http://watermelonswim.com/2022-giving-tree-list/): Watermelon Swim gives back to local families in need by helping bring a little Christmas cheer this year. If you... - [November News](http://watermelonswim.com/november-news/): We hope everyone had a melontasic pumpkin season and enjoyed swimming with pumpkins! This month we have a few items... - [Merry Melon Giving Tree 2022](http://watermelonswim.com/merry-melon-giving-tree-2022/): Watermelon Swim gives back to local families in need by helping bring a little Christmas cheer each year. If you... - [Annual Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival](http://watermelonswim.com/annual-pumpkin-patch-and-fall-festival-2022/): It's pumpkin season, Tampa Bay – and our annual Pumpkin Patch will open Saturday, October 8th. Pick your perfect pumpkin... - [Sign up your school for our FREE Water Safety Education presentation](http://watermelonswim.com/sign-up-your-school-for-our-free-water-safety-education-presentation/): Are you looking to provide water safety education to your students or child group? Watermelon Swim offers a FREE Water... - [Closed July 4th](http://watermelonswim.com/closed-july-4th/) - [The color of your child's swimsuit could save their life](http://watermelonswim.com/the-color-of-your-childs-swimsuit-could-save-their-life/): Just as dressing your child in vibrant colors makes them easier to spot in a crowd, the same goes for... - [Water Safety Week](http://watermelonswim.com/water-safety-week/): No measure can ever guarantee that children are safe in, on, and around water. It is only human for adults... - [hiring open house event - riverview](http://watermelonswim.com/hiring-open-house-event-riverview/): Watermelon Swim is the premier swim school of Tampa Bay with a focus on teaching swim survival skills. Our locations... - [How to help reduce the risk of drowning](http://watermelonswim.com/how-to-help-reduce-the-risk-of-drowning/): Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4, but through water safety education we can help to... - [Client Review](http://watermelonswim.com/client-review/): We love hearing from our parents and wanted to share this email we received. I take my son swimming on... - [The many benefits of swimming year-round](http://watermelonswim.com/benefits-of-swimming-year-round/): Dive into fun all year round with Watermelon Swim! Swimming isn't just a splash-tastic way to cool off—it's a crucial... - [Childhood drownings increase in Florida](http://watermelonswim.com/childhood-drownings-increase-in-florida/): Drownings in Florida have increased substantially with 98 children drowning in 2021, and children 3 and under represent 66% of... - [exciting new changes to ring in the new year!](http://watermelonswim.com/exciting-new-changes-to-ring-in-the-new-year/): Watermelon Swim is excited to announce changes to ring in the new year! For 2022, we are working to make... - [Making a SPLASH](http://watermelonswim.com/making-a-splash/): When we began our journey to rebrand, we knew we had to find the right partner to help us grow... - [2022 Watermelon Swim Calendar](http://watermelonswim.com/2022-watermelon-swim-calendar/): View our calendar below to see 2022 closures, events, spirit weeks, and more! Link to PDF: 2022 Calendar WMS - [give the most meaningful and safer present: a gift certificate for swimming classes](http://watermelonswim.com/give-the-most-meaningful-and-safer-present-a-gift-certificate-for-swimming-classes/): ‘Tis the season for family, gifts, and water safety! Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%... - [Merry Melon Giving Tree](http://watermelonswim.com/merry-melon-giving-tree/): Watermelon Swim gives back to local families in need by helping bring a little Christmas cheer this year. If you... - [Halloween Spirit Week](http://watermelonswim.com/halloween-spirit-week/): Have some extra spooooky fun Oct 25-31 by wearing your Halloween costume to swim lessons! We are excited to see... - [Water Safety Pumpkin Exploration](http://watermelonswim.com/water-safety-pumpkin-exploration/): Are you looking for some pumpkin fun for your preschool group, mom's group, childcare center, or homeschool group? Our annual... - [Annual Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival](http://watermelonswim.com/annual-pumpkin-patch-and-fall-festival/): It's watermelon season, Tampa Bay – and our annual Pumpkin Patch will open Friday, October 1st. Pick your perfect pumpkin... - [Something fun has sprouted!](http://watermelonswim.com/something-fun-has-sprouted/): We have grown into Watermelon Swim! We are keeping the current experience, reputation, and values but adding a fresh and... - [Labor Day Closure](http://watermelonswim.com/labor-day-closure/): Good Evening Watermelon Families, Just a friendly reminder that we will be closed Friday, September 3 through Monday, September 6... - [Is my Baby too Young to Swim?](http://watermelonswim.com/is-my-baby-too-young-to-swim/): As long as your baby’s umbilical cord has fallen off, NO! Watermelon Swim offers a FREE Water Babies class for... # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2026-07-14 - Modified: 2026-07-14 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/about-us-2-2/ about usmicha's storyFor Micha Seal, teaching children to swim has never been just a business; it’s part of her story, her legacy, and her purpose. Born and raised in Tampa Bay, Micha’s life was shaped by generations rooted in water safety and swim instruction that began long before her. In the mid-1900s, her grandparents taught swim lessons out of Wall Springs Park, helping local children gain confidence and lifesaving skills in the water. Years later, Micha’s mother continued that same mission from the family’s backyard above-ground pool, teaching lessons with humble beginnings and a belief that every child deserved the chance to be safer around water. By the time Micha was a teenager, she was already in the water teaching lessons herself. What started as a family tradition quickly became a lifelong calling. While raising six children of her own, Micha worked tirelessly to grow and scale the swim program as the need for swim instruction in Tampa Bay grew. Through long days, hard work, and an unwavering passion for protecting children, Micha built what is now Watermelon Swim. Today, Micha is the sole owner of Watermelon Swim, which proudly serves families across five Tampa Bay locations, with two more on the way. Over the years, the organization has taught millions of swim lessons and generations of swimmers. Even as the company continues to grow, Micha’s mission remains deeply personal: create a community of safer swimmers and reduce the risks in Tampa Bay. Micha Seal CEO & Owner who we... - Published: 2026-07-14 - Modified: 2026-07-14 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/philanthropy/ philanthropyMore Than Swim Lessons: Making Waves Across Tampa Bay At Watermelon Swim, our mission goes far beyond the pool. We are committed to creating safer swimmers and stronger communities through water safety education, charitable giving, and local partnerships. Drowning prevention is not something we can solve alone. That’s why we proudly partner with leading hospitals, first responders, schools, and local organizations throughout Tampa Bay to expand access to swim education and water safety resources for families who need them most. Each year, Watermelon Swim contributes more than $1 million in charitable impact initiatives, including: $550,000 in swim scholarships for students with disabilities Free water safety presentations reaching thousands of children annually Community outreach focused on underserved families Food drives and donation programs throughout the year Our annual Giving Tree program, which has provided a full Christmas to over 100 local families each year for more than 20 years We believe every child deserves access to life-saving swim education, and we are proud to work alongside our community to make Tampa Bay a safer place for families. our community partners include:St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Foundation • tampa General Hospital • Local fire departments • Healthcare providers • Zoo Tampa • Glazer Children’s Museum • Schools and educational organizations • Community nonprofits and outreach programs brand valuesfamily firstintegritycelebrationpassionextraordinary results core values faMily first intEgrity ceLebration passiOn extraordiNary results. - Published: 2026-07-01 - Modified: 2026-07-14 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/meet-the-team/ meet the teamRecognized as one of the best places to work by Tampa Bay Business Journal! LEARn more Micha Seal CEO & Owner Frankie BeattyRegional Vice President of Operations Kim IwanskyRegional Vice President of Operations Maggie MuellerRegional Vice President of Operations Kim GrantExecutive Assistant Angelina UrenaCustomer Service Manager Belinda PerryHuman Resources Manager Sara dreesSales Manager Julia FarrarAquatics Training Manager Julia StewartMarketing Manager Amy LittleLutz Site Manager Christian BeattyLutz Aquatics Manager Tammy HopkinsRiverview Site Manager Jeri WallerRiverview Aquatics Manager Madison ByamRiverview Assistant Aquatics Manager Mogan HoodSouth Tampa Site Manager Olivia DowningSouth Tampa Aquatics Manager Kayla AlsupWesley Chapel Site Manager Carson RogersWesley Chapel Assistant Aquatics Manager Patrick BeattyBrooksville Site Manager Nicole LoganBrooksville Aquatics Manager Join the teambrand valuesfamily firstintegritycelebrationpassionextraordinary results core values faMily first intEgrity ceLebration passiOn extraordiNary results. - Published: 2026-06-17 - Modified: 2026-06-17 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/step-up-for-students-scholarship/ step up for studentsStep Up for Students Scholarships at Watermelon SwimHelping More Families Access Life-Saving Swim Lessons At Watermelon Swim, we believe every child deserves access to life-saving water safety education. That's why we are proud to be a direct provider and partner with Step Up For Students, helping Florida families use scholarship funds toward swim lessons. Formal, continuous swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88%, and our mission is to create a community full of safer swimmers throughout Tampa Bay. Whether your family is part of a homeschool, microschool, private school, or personalized learning program, scholarship funds can be used for swim lessons at Watermelon Swim. We offer flexible daytime programs designed to fit educational communities. At Watermelon Swim, we accept:   • PEP Program • Unique Abilities (Students with Disabilities) • Private School Swim education can support:   • Physical education goals • Wellness programming • Water safety & drowning prevention • Confidence and social development   Give us a call today at 813. 229. 7946 to get started on your family’s swim journey. - Published: 2026-06-08 - Modified: 2026-06-29 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/locations/lutz-swim-classes/ HomeSwim Lessons in LutzDive into Expert Swim Lessons in Lutz! Enroll NowIn a world of 71% water, a child will be 100% curious about exploring it. Teaching your child to swim, including water safety and emergency responses, can make their curious exploration much safer. Watermelon Swim caters to all skill levels – from nervous beginners to those with prior experience, both positive and negative. Help your swimmer grow confidence in the water with lessons at Watermelon Swim. Why swimming? Studies demonstrate that children who continuously take swimming lessons have more advanced cognitive and problem-solving abilities than other children the same age. Swimming is also excellent exercise. It strengthens the whole body and conditions the heart and lungs. At Watermelon Swim, we teach swimming, safety, and survival from birth through adulthood. Watermelon Swim swim classes in the Lutz area are plenty of FUN, too. With group classes, challenging activities, and child-approved instructors, we help people of all ages and abilities develop a love of swimming. Why choose our swimming lessons in LutzLutz locals engage with our community Watermelon Swim is a local, family-owned swim school with over 40 years of experience teaching a proven curriculum. We place a serious emphasis on building Water Smart communities. This means being aware of accident prevention and teaching young swimmers what to do if they accidentally fall into a pool. We also ensure learning to swim is exciting and enjoyable. Each Watermelon Swim facility is entirely indoors, on our premises – no renting space at... - Published: 2026-04-16 - Modified: 2026-04-16 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes-2/ pricingAn Investment in Safety. A Skill for Life. At Watermelon Swim, we save lives. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1–4 and learning to swim reduces that risk by 88%. With 50 years of experience, we use a time-tested approach to teach students of all ages and abilities life-saving water safety skills, while fostering a love for water that makes Tampa Bay such a special place to grow and play. Swim lessons aren’t just an activity; they’re a life skill your child will carry forever. Each lesson builds confidence, teaches real water safety, and gives parents the priceless peace of mind that comes with a safer swimmer. Now that’s money well spent. What Makes Watermelon Swim the Only Choice for Your Family?   At Watermelon Swim, we do more than teach children how to swim; we save lives. For over 50 years, our mission has been simple: to create a community of safer swimmers while building lifelong confidence in and around the water. Across generations, we’ve proudly taught millions of lessons to families throughout Tampa Bay. While some programs focus only on survival floating skills, our approach goes further. Through trust, encouragement, and progressive learning, we guide children toward a complete foundation of water safety, survival skills, and strong swimming abilities. Because when children feel confident in the water, they become safer swimmers for life. Watermelon Swim is a family-owned, mission-driven business rooted right here in Tampa Bay. Founded by Micha Seal, a third-generation swim... - Published: 2025-08-21 - Modified: 2026-05-21 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/sweet-peas-gymnastics/ Sweet Peas Gymnasticsat Watermelon Swim BrooksvilleThank you for choosing Sweet Peas Educational Gymnastics at Watermelon Swim Brooksville and joining us in our mission to promote physical, social, and cognitive development in children 0 months to 6 years through an educational gymnastics curriculum. Enroll NowThank you for choosing Sweet Peas Educational Gymnastics at Watermelon Swim Brooksville and joining us in our mission to promote physical, social, and cognitive development in children 0 months to 6 years through an educational gymnastics curriculum. Enroll NowReturning to Sweet Peas? Great News! Your account is still active. loginstart your gymnastics journey in just four easy steps. 1Create an account 2Accept our Policies & Procedures 3Review and make class selections 4Secure your spot**with a one-month tuition deposit and payment of the membership fee (see our pricing page for full tuition details) Enroll Nowgymnastics classes available for all ages and skill levels. BABY PEASWEE PEASONE PEAS two peasthree peasfour peasfive peassix peasBABY PEAS BABY PEAS - 0-5 months old An early introduction to Sweet Peas educational gymnastics for our littlest students. The Baby Peas program is for: Babies 0-5 months old 1 Parent/Caregiver and 1 child participate in the class Baby Peas will focus on: Fostering secure attachment with their trusted caregiver, creating memories which have an ongoing positive impact on infant’s behavior and development. Develop and practice movements for core strength, rhythm, sensory exploration. Begin to interact with other babies WEE PEAS You'll be amazed at the learning and development in your child's class as a Wee Pea,... - Published: 2025-04-22 - Modified: 2025-07-14 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/locations/swim-lessons-in-south-tampa/ Dive into Expert Swim Lessons in South Tampa! Enroll NowIn a world of 71% water, a child will be 100% curious about exploring it. Our swim lessons in South Tampa teach your child how to swim, including water safety and emergency responses, which can make their curious exploration much safer. Watermelon Swim caters to all skill levels – from nervous beginners to those with prior experience, both positive and negative. Help your swimmer grow confidence in the water with lessons at Watermelon Swim. Why swimming? The benefits of learning to swim go beyond safety and fun. According to a Griffith University Study, children who took swim lessons before the age of 5 were more advanced intellectually, physically, and socially than their peers. Not to mention, swimming is excellent exercise! Continuous lessons help strengthen your child’s muscles and develop a more robust heart and lungs. At Watermelon Swim, we teach swimming, safety, and survival from birth through adulthood. Why choose our swimming lessons in South TampaTampa locals dedicated to our community Watermelon Swim is a local, family-owned swim school emphasizing growing water-safer children and communities. Our mission is to grow a community full of safer swimmers and reduce the risks while increasing confidence in and around the water. All Watermelon Swim classes are held indoors, in our private swim facility – we don’t rent space at a gym. Safety is our number one Watermelon Swim instructors are trained and certified in CPR, first aid, lifeguarding, and water safety instruction. Our instructors'... - Published: 2025-04-22 - Modified: 2026-07-27 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/locations/lutz-swim-classes2/ HomeSwim Lessons in LutzDive into Expert Swim Lessons in Lutz! Enroll NowIn a world of 71% water, a child will be 100% curious about exploring it. Teaching your child to swim, including water safety and emergency responses, can make their curious exploration much safer. Watermelon Swim caters to all skill levels – from nervous beginners to those with prior experience, both positive and negative. Help your swimmer grow confidence in the water with lessons at Watermelon Swim. Why swimming? Studies demonstrate that children who continuously take swimming lessons have more advanced cognitive and problem-solving abilities than other children the same age. Swimming is also excellent exercise. It strengthens the whole body and conditions the heart and lungs. At Watermelon Swim, we teach swimming, safety, and survival from birth through adulthood. Watermelon Swim swim classes in the Lutz area are plenty of FUN, too. With group classes, challenging activities, and child-approved instructors, we help people of all ages and abilities develop a love of swimming. Why choose our swimming lessons in LutzLutz locals engage with our community Watermelon Swim is a local, family-owned swim school with over 40 years of experience teaching a proven curriculum. We place a serious emphasis on building Water Smart communities. This means being aware of accident prevention and teaching young swimmers what to do if they accidentally fall into a pool. We also ensure learning to swim is exciting and enjoyable. Each Watermelon Swim facility is entirely indoors, on our premises – no renting space at... - Published: 2025-04-10 - Modified: 2026-04-22 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/enroll-today/ enrollThank you for choosing Watermelon Swim and joining us in our mission to create a community of safer swimmers in Tampa Bay! Formal and continuous swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88% - Follow these five steps to enroll in swim lessons online today! 1Choose your location below2Create an account3Accept our Policies & Procedures4Review & make class selections 5Secure your spotScroll to the location of your choice below and click “enroll now”. You will be redirected to our iClass Parent Portal to create an account and complete your enrollment. Watermelon Swim encourages twice a week lessons for all beginner students; we offer 10% off tuition for students who swim twice a week. Twice a week swimming encourages consistency and repetition, the keys to a successful swimmer. Registering for a Parent Tot Class? We strongly encourage all new Parent Tot families to participate in our FREE, IN-WATER orientation class, Parent Tot Catch-Up, prior to starting class. Sign up at enrollment or call us to schedule once you’ve enrolled in a class. Interested in classes for Students with Disabilities? We teach children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities the swimming, safety and survival skills they need to develop a love of the water. To best meet your student’s needs, we require all families with a student with a disability to complete our Students with Disabilities program application. Please fill out an application request through the link on our Students with Disabilities page, Students with Disabilities - Watermelon Swim and... - Published: 2024-12-19 - Modified: 2026-01-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/faq/calendar/ 2026 CalendarHere is our 2026 calendar and list of events, closures, and special dates throughout the year. In January, we will have printed copies at each location if you would like a printed copy to hang at home. Another way to stay up-to-date is to download the Watermelon Swim app. You will receive news posts, be able to view your classes and billing information, makeup tokens, request classes, and more! Search the app store today for Watermelon Swim. 2026 Calendar PDF - Published: 2024-10-25 - Modified: 2024-10-25 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/new-location-pre-registration-thank-you/ Thank You! Thank you filling out our New Location Pre-Registration form and for your interest in Watermelon Swim! A customer service representative will contact you shortly. If you would like to reach out to us directly, please call us at 813-229-7946 or email us at info@watermelonswim. com. We look forward to speaking to you soon! - Published: 2024-07-18 - Modified: 2025-07-14 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/locations/swim-lessons-in-brooksville/ Dive into Expert Swim Lessons in Brooksville! Enroll NowEnrolling NowThe world is 71% water, and your child is 100% curious. Watermelon Swim's mission is to grow a community of safer swimmers and reduce the risks while increasing confidence in and around the water. From infants to adults, Brooksville swim lessons with Team Melon are a perfect fit. The beach and Gulf are a short drive away, and there are pools in almost every backyard. What would your child do if they fell into the water unexpectedly? We combine safety and survival with proper swim technique to build your child’s skills level by level. Visit Watermelon Swim Brooksville, meet Team Melon, and learn more about our small-group swim classes! Why teach my child to swim? Teaching children Swim skills early in life, including what to do if they unexpectedly fall into the water, can help reduce accidents and give your child valuable knowledge of how to stay safe in the water. When your child takes swim lessons, they reap benefits beyond water skills and safety. According to a study conducted by Griffith University, children who took swim lessons before the age of 5 tended to be more physically, socially, and intellectually advanced than their peers who did not. Swimming is excellent exercise, too. Regular swimming improves your child’s cardiovascular capabilities and strengthens all the muscle groups in the body. It’s also low-impact and better for the joints, no matter how old you are. Why choose our swim lessons in BrooksvilleBrooksville locals... - Published: 2024-06-20 - Modified: 2024-06-20 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/3243-2/ 6 months – 2 years Your child’s introduction to the waterParent Tot classes, for children 6 months - 2 years, are structured to create a comfortable and dynamic atmosphere to foster your child’s introduction to the water. Parent Tot classes teach swimming, safety and survival in 2 levels. Parent Tot 1 focuses on gaining comfort with submersion and learning the basics of balance, buoyancy, and breath control. Parent Tot 2 furthers these skills while encouraging independence and confidence. Early and continuous swim lessons are key to keeping your children safer around water all year long. Our innovative and creative teaching methods will make learning fun for you and your child. Parent Tot 1 and Parent Tot 2 are 30 minute, group classes, with a ratio of 6 parent/child pairs to each instructor. Enroll Now parent tot 1 CLASS GOALS Comfortability in the water Cognitive development Coordination and strengthening Confidence as swimmer Parent child bond Self-esteem and self confidence Enroll Now parent tot 2 CLASS GOALS Comfortability in the water Cognitive development Coordination and strengthening Confidence as swimmer Parent child bond Self-esteem and self confidence Enroll NowParent Tot 1class goals Comfortability in the water Cognitive development Coordination and strengthening Confidence as swimmer Parent child bond Self-esteem and self confidence   Be more comfortable in the water Develop brain faster be more coordinated and gain muscle strength be a more confident swimmer build greater bond with parents safer around water build self-esteem and self-confidence - Published: 2024-06-06 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/testimonials/ Parents trust us Kids love usYour child’s confidence in the water means the world to us. That’s why we employ the best swim instructors and customer service team in Florida. From play-based instruction to private, indoor swimming facilities and small class sizes, we’re proud to accommodate swimmers of all ages and abilities. Every member of Team Melon is extensively trained, enthusiastic, and child-approved, but don’t just take our word for it – here’s what our parents have to say! Leave us a ReviewSee what our parents have to say about: Us in General▼ Learning to swim Confidence in the water Inclusivity Our instructors learning to swim“My daughter has already learned so much within three months” We love Watermelon Swim, South Tampa! My daughter has been swimming at this location since last November and we have loved it from the very beginning. She has already learned so much just within three months. All of the employees are friendly, kind and very helpful. We love Ms. Savannah and have recently also swam with Ms. Julie & Ms. Kara. We love all of the instructors she’s had so far and look forward to her future classes at WS! Kayla Gonzalez Reams “Our child has thrived and developed so many skills that are absolutely invaluable. ” We started at the South Tampa location a year ago when our son was 4 months old. From a water baby to now a tot 2, our child has thrived and developed so many absolutely invaluable skills. We... - Published: 2024-04-23 - Modified: 2025-07-14 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/locations/wesley-chapel-swim-classes/ Swim Lessons Wesley ChapelDive into Expert Swimming Lessons in Wesley Chapel! Enroll NowIn a world of 71% water, a child will be 100% curious about exploring it. Teaching your child to swim, including water safety and emergency responses, can make their curious exploration much safer. Watermelon Swim caters to all skill levels – from nervous beginners to those with prior experience, both positive and negative. Help your swimmer grow confidence in the water with swim lessons in Wesley Chapel at Watermelon Swim. Why Choose Watermelon Swim? Swimmers who start lessons before age five might be more socially, physically, and intellectually advanced than their peers. A study by Griffith University suggests that kids who continuously took swimming lessons had cognitive and problem-solving abilities several months to over a year more advanced than other children the same age. Swimming is also one of the best forms of exercise, working every muscle group and strengthening your heart and lungs. At Watermelon Swim in Wesley Chapel, our mission is to teach swimming, safety, and survival from birth through adulthood. Why choose our swimming lessons in Wesley ChapelWesley Chapel locals devoted to our community Watermelon Swim is a local, family-owned swim school with four private facilities in the Tampa Bay metro area. Our facilities are all indoors, so you’ll have your swimming lessons, rain or shine, and be protected from the hot Florida sun; plus, the water is always warm! Our state-of-the-art systems maintain warm, clean, and inviting water year-round. Safety is our number one... - Published: 2024-04-18 - Modified: 2026-06-10 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/locations/swim-lessons-in-riverview/ HomeSwim Lessons in RiverviewDive into Expert Swim Lessons in Riverview! Enroll NowIn a world of 71% water, a child will be 100% curious about exploring it. Teaching your child to swim, including water safety and emergency responses, can make their curious exploration much safer. Watermelon Swim caters to all skill levels – from nervous beginners to those with prior experience, both positive and negative. Help your swimmer grow confidence in the water with lessons at Watermelon Swim. Why take swimming lessons in Riverview? The advantages of swimming lessons extend well beyond ensuring safety and providing enjoyment. Studies have shown that children who engage in swim lessons before turning 5 tend to surpass their intellectual, physical, and social development peers. Swimming is also an excellent form of exercise. Regular swimming lessons contribute to stronger muscle development and enhance the heart and lungs' function. At Watermelon Swim, we offer comprehensive instruction in swimming, safety, and survival skills for all ages, from infants to adults. Why choose our swimming lessons in RiverviewWe’re dedicated to our community Watermelon Swim is a local, family-owned swim school emphasizing water-safer swimmers and communities. Our mission is to grow a community full of safer swimmers and reduce the risks while increasing confidence in and around the water. We offer Riverview swim lessons in group class settings or private, one-on-one sessions, so there are convenient options for all swimmers, from babies and toddlers to teens and adults. All swimming lessons are indoors, so you’ll have your class rain or... - Published: 2024-01-25 - Modified: 2024-04-16 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/enroll-now-thank-you/ Thank you for your interest in Watermelon Swim! A customer service representative will contact you shortly. If you would like to reach out to us directly, please call us at 813-229-7946 or email us at info@watermelonswim. com. We look forward to speaking to you soon! - Published: 2023-12-21 - Modified: 2024-04-23 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/giveaway/ Giveway - Published: 2023-08-29 - Modified: 2023-08-29 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/pre-registration/ ; - Published: 2023-06-19 - Modified: 2023-06-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/marketing-request-form/ 0 – 6 months - Published: 2023-05-31 - Modified: 2026-01-29 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/upper-levels/ HomeStroke Developmentlevel 7 to swim team prep keep swimming, keep growingOur stroke development classes, levels 7 to 9, and swim team prep, are in a 6:1 ratio with a maximum of 12 students per lane with 2 instructors and a deck supervisor. All stroke development classes are offered at one time to minimize distraction and allow them to utilize the entire pool space to focus on technique and develop our swimmers. *South Tampa offers classes through level 7. Enroll NowLevel 7Your child is a Level 7 if he/she: Swims freestyle with correct kicks and rotary breathing for 15 yds. Swims freestyle with correct shoulder and body rotation for 15 yds. Swims backstroke with correct kicks and oppositional arms for 15 yds. Swims backstroke with correct shoulder and body rotation for 15 yds. Swims with beginner breaststroke kicks for 10 yds. Completes a beginner freestyle flip turn Level 8 Your child is a Level 8 if he/she: Swims with correct freestyle technique for 25 yds. Swims with correct backstroke technique for 25 yds. Swims beginner breaststroke for 15 yds. Swims with beginner butterfly kicks for 10 yds. Completes a correct freestyle flip turn Completes a beginner backstroke flip turn Level 9Your child is a Level 9 if he/she: Swims freestyle with rotary breathing for 40 yds. with a flip turn Swims backstroke with body rotation for 40 yds. with a flip turn Swims breaststroke with correct timing and technique for 20 yds. Swims beginner butterfly for 15 yds. Completes an open... - Published: 2021-11-23 - Modified: 2026-03-19 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/careers/ careersjoin team melon Do you want to be a part of an extraordinarily fun and community-minded team? Are you passionate, enthusiastic, and love working with children? We are ALWAYS hiring great candidates for Swim Instructor, Customer Service Representative, and Call Center Representatives. Are you worried that you do not have enough experience? We offer a comprehensive paid training program to teach you everything you need to know to be successful at Watermelon Swim. We offer continuous education, ongoing training, certification courses, and growth opportunities, including merit-based pay increases, sales commissions, an in-depth management training program, and much more. Watermelon Swim is a company you can grow your career with. We are the premier swim school in Tampa Bay, celebrated for our fun culture, rooted core values, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a Small Business of the Year award winner, we pride ourselves on giving back to our community and our team members! At Watermelon Swim you will find competitive pay, incentives, company recognition, work-life balance, team bonding events, full-time and part-time opportunities with flexibility to work around your busy schedule, and other great perks and benefits. We believe the best companies are fueled by employees who stay true to themselves while living out the organization's core values: family first, integrity, celebration, passion, and extraordinary results. Opportunity, growth, and fun are precisely what you'll find at Watermelon Swim. If you believe in our mission to grow a community full of safer swimmers and reduce the risks while increasing confidence... - Published: 2021-11-19 - Modified: 2026-04-16 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/faq/ faqWatermelon Swim FAQsWatermelon Swim 2026 Calendar and ClosuresYou can find our 2026 calendar information here. You may also visit the live calendar on our homepage to learn more about upcoming special events, promotions, and more. What is the best age to enroll my child in swim lessons? The best time is now! You’re never too young or too old to learn how to swim. We teach students from birth through adulthood the life-saving skills they need to thrive in the water. Our mission is to grow a community full of safer swimmers and reduce the risks while increasing confidence in and around water. Drowning is the leading cause of death for kids ages 1-4 and the second leading cause for those aged 5-14. Hillsborough County leads the state in drowning deaths in children under 4. We believe drowning is preventable. Formal, continuous swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. Swim lessons save lives! Which level is right for my child? We base our level placement on swimming ability and age. If your child is: • Under 6 months old, our Water Babies lessons are right for them. • Under 18 months old, we recommend our Parent Tot lessons. • Over the age of 18 months and a beginner swimmer, they would start in Level 1. • 7 years or older and a beginner swimmer, the 7&Up Group classes are for them. If your child has had prior formal swimming lessons or other swimming experience without a flotation device,... - Published: 2021-11-16 - Modified: 2025-08-06 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/gift-swim/ give the gift of confidence Give the gift of confidence and unforgettable experiences! Opt for cherished memories, increasing confidence, and learning life-saving skills. Make this year truly extraordinary. Select your swim location to purchase a gift certificate. what makes us one in a melon? Certified Coaches in CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, and Lifeguard Training. Safety is Our Mission We teach swimming, safety, and survival in all of our classes. Child-Approved Staff Every member is extensively trained and enthusiastic. Year-Round Indoor Classes State of the art facilities, heated pool, and air. Classes for All Abilities We offer classes from babies to adults. Free Water Babies Classes Simply pay the new Family Membership Fee. We have a melon things to talk aboutSplash into fun and safety with Watermelon Swim! By Watermelon SwimRead article Is my Baby too Young to Swim? By Watermelon SwimRead article Just Keep SwimmingBy Watermelon SwimRead article Visit our Blogstart swimming, start growing. ENROLL NOW - Published: 2021-08-20 - Modified: 2025-05-29 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/current-clients/ client portalthank you for being an important slice of our watermelon familyWe are glad you’re enjoying our year-round, indoor Watermelon Swim locations! We are dedicated to offering you the best customer service representatives and the most highly-trained, child-approved instructors in the Tampa Bay area. Below you can view your location’s information and click “client portal” to be directed to your client portal. From there you will be able to view your account, see class schedules, request a new class, update your billing information, accept policies, view your check-in QR code, place a cancellation request, and more. Let’s keep growing those swim skills! lutz 19509 Dale Mabry Hwy Lutz, FL 33548 813-229-7946 Monday – Thursday: 8 AM - 8 PM Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM Saturday: 7:15 AM - 1:30 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM Client Portalsouth tampa 3703 W. McKay Ave Tampa, FL 33609 813-229-7946 Monday – Thursday: 8 AM - 8 PM Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM Saturday - Sunday: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM Client Portalwesley chapel 30016 County Line Road Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 813-229-7946 Monday – Thursday: 8 AM - 8 PM Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM Saturday: 7:15 AM - 2:00 PM Sunday: 8 am - 1 pm Client Portalriverview 10459 Gibsonton Drive Riverview, FL 33578 813-229-7946 Monday – Thursday: 8 AM - 8 PM Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM Saturday: 7:15 AM - 2:00 PM Sunday: 8 AM - 1:30 PM Client PortalBrooksville 955 Candlelight Blvd – Brooksville,... - Published: 2021-08-02 - Modified: 2025-04-15 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/ready-to-enroll/ Ready to Enroll - Published: 2021-06-14 - Modified: 2025-04-25 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/students-with-disabilities/ infants - adults we create a special love for waterWe teach children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities the swimming, safety and survival skills they need to develop a love of the water. We get to know each swimmer’s unique learning style to determine if group or private classes are the best fit. And we know encouraging and challenging our students appropriately is key to their success, so we work with each student (and parents or guardians if applicable) to set attainable goals and achieve extraordinary results. We require families to complete an application to determine eligibility for our Students with Disabilities Program. The application will help us get to know your student and ensure we are providing them the best possible lesson experience. Please reach out to one of our highly trained Customer Service Representatives for more information and for a link to our application. We look forward to providing extraordinary results for your family! Ready to Enroll - Published: 2021-06-14 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/adult-classes/ 18 years & up grown-ups can grow their swim skills tooAt Watermelon Swim, you are never too old to learn to swim! We offer Adult Swimming Lessons to learn life-saving skills, including balance, buoyancy, and breath control. You will only be in a class with other adults learning to swim. Enroll Now - Published: 2021-06-14 - Modified: 2024-08-08 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/private-lessons/ 6 mo – 2 years Your child’s introduction to the waterParent Tot classes, for children 6 mo - 2 years, are structured to create a comfortable and dynamic atmosphere to foster your child’s introduction to the water. Parent Tot classes teach swimming, safety and survival in 2 levels. Parent Tot 1 focuses on gaining comfort with submersion and learning the basics of balance, buoyancy, and breath control. Parent Tot 2 furthers these skills while encouraging independence and confidence. Early and continuous swim lessons are key to keeping your children safer around water all year long. Our innovative and creative teaching methods will make learning fun for you and your child. Parent Tot 1 and Parent Tot 2 are 30 minute, group classes, with a ratio of 6 parent/child pairs to each instructor. Enroll Now - Published: 2021-06-14 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/age-7-and-up/ 7 years & up level up your swim skillsOur 7 & Up class was designed for children 7 years and older who are working on their beginner swim skills. These lessons cover the lifesaving skills in Levels 1-4, teaching water safety and survival while fostering a genuine love for swimming. All skills listed below MUST be completed without the use of flotation devices. Level 1Your child is a Level 1 if he/she: Is nervous in or around the water Has never been in a swimming class Is not comfortable being submerged in the water Is dependent on assistance in the water Is not used to being in a pool without any type of floatation device (floaties, life jacket, ring, noodle, etc) Is unsure of the class environment or has limited experience with teacher/student interaction Level 2Your child is a Level 2 if he/she: Is comfortable in the water without flotation devices (floaties, life jacket, ring, noodle, etc. ) Will submerge his/her face in the water independently without goggles Kicks independently in the water Is comfortable laying on his/her back in the water Will jump into the water with assistance Is comfortable in a class environment (waits his/her turn, listens to direction, understands teacher’s authority) Level 3Your child is a Level 3 if he/she: Is comfortable submerging his/herself in the water Has good breath control when going under the water and can blow bubbles under water Kicks independently in the water with forward movement Will jump into the water without assistance... - Published: 2021-06-14 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/learn-to-swim/ 18 months and up grow with friendsOur Learn to Swim group classes are 30 minutes with a 4:1 ratio. Our students are placed into group lessons according to swimming ability and age to ensure all students in a group are within the same developmental range. The small class size creates a structured, positive, and caring learning environment for your child. Statistics show that children learn best through fun! Enroll NowLevel 1Your child is a Level 1 if he/she: Is nervous in or around the water Has never been in a swimming class Is not comfortable being submerged in the water Is dependent on assistance in the water Is not used to being in a pool without any type of flotation device (floaties, life jacket, ring, noodle, etc) Is unsure of the class environment or has limited experience with teacher/student interaction Level 2Your child is a Level 2 if he/she: Is comfortable in the water without flotation devices (floaties, life jacket, ring, noodle, etc. ) Will submerge his/her face in the water independently without goggles Kicks independently in the water Is comfortable laying on his/her back in the water Will jump into the water with assistance Is comfortable in a class environment (waits his/her turn, listens to direction, understands teacher’s authority) Level 3Your child is a Level 3 if he/she: Comes off the wall in a horizontal position Swims with correct kicks for 5 ft. independently Kicks with a kickboard for 10 ft. independently Swim-float-swims with assistance Turns around and get... - Published: 2021-06-14 - Modified: 2026-06-25 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/water-babies/ HomeWater Babies0 – 6 months a free and relaxed aquatic experience for parent and infantWater babies classes, for infants 0-6 months, are designed to offer a fun and relaxed aquatic experience for parent and infant. These non-submersion, parent and infant classes offer an excellent opportunity to bond with your new baby while introducing him or her to the water. Our water babies classes boost development of the whole child and early, year-round lessons accelerate development; physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Pricing Our Water Babies classes are TUITION-FREE for families attending one day per week. Want even more pool time? Families may add an additional swim day for an extra fee. New families pay a registration fee of $55 that covers all swimmers in the family for 12 months. Current families can register at no additional cost! Enroll NowWater babies CLASS GOALS More comfortable in the water Developing my brain faster More coordinated and muscles are stronger More confident More bonded to Mom and Dad Safer around water Building self-esteem and self-confidence Enroll now - Published: 2021-06-11 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/parent-tot-1-2/ 6 months – 2 years Your child’s introduction to the waterParent Tot classes, for children 6 months - 2 years, are structured to create a comfortable and dynamic atmosphere to foster your child’s introduction to the water. Parent Tot classes teach swimming, safety and survival in 2 levels. Parent Tot 1 focuses on gaining comfort with submersion and learning the basics of balance, buoyancy, and breath control. Parent Tot 2 furthers these skills while encouraging independence and confidence. Early and continuous swim lessons are key to keeping your children safer around water all year long. Our innovative and creative teaching methods will make learning fun for you and your child. Parent Tot 1 and Parent Tot 2 are 30 minute, group classes, with a ratio of 6 parent/child pairs to each instructor. Enroll Now parent tot 1 CLASS GOALS Comfortable in the class Agreeable to submersion Consistent with breath control Relaxed while drafting Drafting to the platform and dropping my hips Comfortable when doing back dips Waiting my turn on the wall Turning around and getting the wall with assistance Enroll Now parent tot 2 CLASS GOALS Coming off the wall independently Kicking independently Relaxed during Deep Dolphins Swimming to the platform, dropping my hips to stand up, and holding on to the platform Relaxed with Dolphin Rollovers Hanging onto the wall independently Monkey Walking with assistance Enroll Now - Published: 2021-05-26 - Modified: 2026-05-22 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/water-safety/ water safetywe believe drowning is preventableOur mission is to grow a community full of safer swimmers and reduce the risks while increasing confidence in and around water. Team Melon is dedicated to making a difference in our community and offers a FREE Water Safety Education presentation. Use the form below to schedule your presentation, our team will come to your location to give a 20-30 minute presentation to children. This is great for preschools, daycare, elementary K-2nd grade, homeschool groups, and any other child-based group. This presentation fulfills the hours towards the Sunshine State Standards for Water Safety Education. We also offer a FREE online Water Safety Education video, click here to view. together, we can change the statistics, let’s take action! Did you know that drowning is the #1 cause of death in children under 4 with Florida being #1 in the country and Hillsborough County #1 in the state? Drowning is the #1 cause of death in children under 4. Florida is #1 in the country in drowning deaths in children under 4. Hillsborough County is #1 in the state in drowning deaths in children under 4. 0%of childhood drownings occur with at least 1 adult present. 0%of childhood drownings happen during a family gathering near a pool. 0people will likely die from drowning in the U. S. this year. sign up today for our FREE Water Safety Education presentation! To schedule your Water Safety Presentation contact WaterSafety@watermelonswim. com and include the following information: Location name Location address... - Published: 2021-05-26 - Modified: 2023-06-07 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/locations/lutz-location/ Welcome to Watermelon Swim Lutz19509 Dale Mabry Hwy, Lutz, FL 33548 Contact Information19509 Dale Mabry Hwy. Lutz, FL 33548 813-229-7946 Monday – Thursday: 8AM - 8PM Friday: 9AM - 2PM Saturday: 7:15AM - 2:00PM Sunday: 8:00AM - 1:00 PM Enroll Nowour facility 2 Indoor Pools Pool Temp. 88°-91° Air Temp. 86° Two-way glass Classes are not cancelled for thunder or lightning. Virtual Tourmeet our lutz team Maggie Site Manager Maggie Site Manager Maggie Site Manager Maggie Site Manager Taylor Deck Supervisor Amy Aquatics Manager Emily Manager on Duty & Deck Supervisor Elijah Deck Supervisor - Published: 2021-05-26 - Modified: 2026-06-29 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/locations/ locationschoose your watermelon swim locationWe have four indoor, year-round Watermelon Swim locations for your convenience. All locations aim to provide the same extraordinary customer service and extensively trained instructors. Are you a new client looking to join Watermelon Swim? Scroll to the location of your choice and click “enroll now”. If you are currently enrolled at Watermelon Swim, scroll to your current location and click “current client” to be directed to your client portal. This portal allows you to log in and access your account, the current schedule, billing information, policies and procedures, check-in QR code, and more. All Watermelon Swim locations feature state-of-the-art pool equipment: dehumidification system, chlorine/sand filtration, UV disinfection killing 99. 99% of bacteria, heated air, 90-degree water, 24-hour chemical monitoring, and more. Our goal is to ensure a clean and safer environment for our clients and team. It’s always Watermelon Swim season in Tampa Bay! lutz 19509 Dale Mabry Hwy Lutz, FL 33548 813-229-7946 Monday – Thursday: 8 AM - 8 PM Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM Saturday: 7:15 AM - 2 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM - 2 PM lutz@watermelonswim. com Enroll NowCurrent Clientsouth tampa 3703 W. McKay Ave Tampa, FL 33609 813-229-7946 Monday – Thursday: 8 AM - 8 PM Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM Saturday - Sunday: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM southtampa@watermelonswim. com Enroll NowCurrent Clientwesley chapel 30016 County Line Road Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 813-229-7946 Monday – Thursday: 8 AM - 8 PM Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM Saturday:... - Published: 2019-10-28 - Modified: 2025-02-13 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/blog/ Categories Announcements Blog Educational Events New Uncategorized Join Our Newsletter Let’s keep in touch! ENROLL NOWThank you for your joining our newsletter! ×There was an error trying to join. Please try again later. × Announcements, Events Festive Fun All Fall Long at Watermelon Swim! byWatermelon Swim Read Article Blog Why Swimming Through Level 6 Matters: Turning Little Melons into Safer, Confident, Competent Swimmers byWatermelon Swim Read Article Blog Why Your Child Cries During Swim Lessons: Understanding the Settlement Period byWatermelon Swim Read Article Announcements, Blog Sweet Peas at Watermelon Swim Brooksville is NOW Open! byJulia Stewart Read Article Blog, Educational Don’t Get Caught in a Rip Current This Hurricane Season byWatermelon Swim Read Article Announcements Slyce is Turning 4! Join the Celebrations All Week Long byJulia Stewart Read Article LOAD MORE - Published: 2019-10-28 - Modified: 2025-11-06 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/about-us/ about uswho we areEvery member of Team Melon is extensively trained, enthusiastic, and child-approved! Watermelon Swim is proud to employ the best swim instructors and customer service team in the Tampa Bay area. Our instructors are certified in CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instructor, and Lifeguard Training. Each member of Team Melon participates in continuing education training to stay current with the latest teaching trends and techniques. Our instructors are certified in: CPR First Aid Water Safety Instructor Lifeguard Training Micha Seal CEO & Owner Frankie Beatty-ToddRegional Vice President of Operations Kim IwanskyRegional Vice President of Operations Maggie MuellerRegional Vice President of Operations Kim GrantExecutive Assistant Angelina UrenaSales Manager Belinda PerryHuman Resources Manager Julia StewartMarketing Manager core values faMily first intEgrity ceLebration passiOn extraordiNary results our missionis to grow a community full of safer swimmers and reduce the risks while increasing confidence in and around water. our story2021 It's Watermelon Swim season, Tampa Bay! 2018 The Riverview facility opened The Lutz facility underwent renovations 2014 The Wesley Chapel facility opened 2006 The South Tampa facility opened 2005 Opened the first year round facility in lutz 1998 Opened a new location in Lutz at Heritage Harbor 1987 Micha Seal opened at the Montessori Academy of Tampa Bay 1979 opened home pool to teach 3 neighborhood students brand valuesfamily firstintegritycelebrationpassionextraordinary results core values faMily first intEgrity ceLebration passiOn extraordiNary results. - Published: 2019-10-28 - Modified: 2026-04-16 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/swim-classes/ swim classesstart swimming, start growing. water babies 0-6 months parent tot 1 & 2 6-24 months learn to swim group 18 months & up stroke development level 7 to 9 7 and up 7 years & up students with disabilities adult classes - Published: 2019-09-05 - Modified: 2026-06-19 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/ Scholarships accepted here! swim classes come and grow your swim skillswater babies FREE 0-6 months parent tot 1 & 2 6-24 months learn to swim group 18 months & up swimmers with disabilities View All Classeswhat makes us one in a melon? Certified Instructors in CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, and Lifeguard Training. Safety is Our Mission We teach swimming, safety, and survival in all of our classes from infants through adults. Child-Approved Every member of Team Melon is enthusiastic, child-approved, and participates in continuous education and training. Year-Round Indoor Classes Unique state-of-the-art facilities featuring heated pool and air. Classes for All Abilities We offer classes for children and adults with various physical and mental disabilities to learn to be safer in and around water. Free Water Babies Classes We believe so strongly in water safety at an early age that our water babies classes are free. Only pay the membership fee. what makes us one in a melon? Certified Coaches in CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, and Lifeguard Training. Safety is Our Mission We teach swimming, safety, and survival in all of our classes. Child-Approved Staff Every member is extensively trained and enthusiastic. Year-Round Indoor Classes State of the art facilities, heated pool, and air. Classes for All Abilities We offer classes from babies to adults. Free Water Babies Classes Simply pay the new Family Membership Fee. We have a melon things to talk aboutWater Park Safety TipsBy Brooke CloutierRead article Updates to the American Academy of... ## Posts - Published: 2026-08-04 - Modified: 2026-08-04 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/monthly-melon-news-august/ - Categories: New Uncategorized, News The Most Important Lesson This School Year For many families, the fall is one of the busiest times of the year. Back to school, new routines, and a calendar full of meetings and activities. During the school year, we encourage families to keep swim lessons in their routine. Think of swim lessons less as an after-school activity and more like the life-saving investment that they are. Team Melon will work with you to find the perfect days and times so swim lessons blend smoothly into the rest of your schedule. Tap the button below to get to our blog all about why sticking with lessons is essential for your family. Help Us Keep Our Pools Clean! At Watermelon Swim, we take water cleanliness and safety seriously. Here are a couple of ways you can help us keep our pools squeaky clean and accident-free! Swim Diaper Policy: We take water cleanliness and safety seriously. All swimmers not fully potty trained (6 months accident-free) must wear our Happy Nappy Duo reusable swim diapers fitted by our front desk. Hand-wash and air-dry your diaper to help it last longer. Feeling Under the Weather: If your swimmer isn't feeling well or is taking antibiotics, please keep them home to help keep our little melons safe and healthy. Simply notify us in the app before class to receive a makeup token! Thank you for helping us keep our facilities safe! Watermelon Patch Picks Dive Rings are more than just a fun pool toy - they’re... - Published: 2026-08-03 - Modified: 2026-08-03 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/fun-watermelon-facts-to-help-celebrate-slyces-birthday/ - Categories: New Uncategorized Slyce's birthday is on August 3rd! To kick off the celebrations, we want to share some fun facts about watermelon. These amazing fruits have so many benefits, and we're all about them at Watermelon Swim. Did you know? Watermelons float! And so do safer swimmers. At Watermelon Swim, we teach children to do the same with confidence, skill, and smiles. Watermelons are 92% water A perfect hydrating snack for a hot summer day by the pool. The heaviest watermelon ever recorded was 350. 5 pounds This was recorded in Tennessee back in 2013. Do you think we'll ever see a heavier one? Florida produces the most watermelons out of any state in the US The Sunshine State alone produces about 30% of the entire country's watermelon yield each year. The entire fruit is edible Though the raw rind may not taste great, there are many recipes for pickled watermelon rind and other dishes where the rind is cooked. The first recorded harvest was in Egypt Around 5,000 years ago, the first recorded harvest of watermelon was in Egypt. Back then, many people used the fruit as a natural water canteen. Watermelon is the state vegetable of Oklahoma Yes, vegetable, even though it's botanically a fruit. Oklahoma made it official back in 2007. Watermelon comes in more than just pink Some varieties are yellow or orange on the inside instead of the classic red-pink, though they taste similar! August 3rd is National Watermelon Day, Not Just Slyce’s Birthday Mark your calendar!... - Published: 2026-07-23 - Modified: 2026-07-23 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/is-it-okay-to-stop-swim-lessons-during-the-school-year/ - Categories: New Uncategorized When school starts back up, swim lessons are often one of the first things to get pushed aside. Between homework, sports schedules, and packed after-school calendars, it can feel like a reasonable place to cut back. But in Florida, water safety concerns don’t take a season off, and neither should your child's swim skills. The Risk Doesn’t Disappear with Summer Florida has more lakes, ponds, canals, and backyard pools per square mile than almost anywhere else in the country. That means year-round water access, and year-round exposure to risk. A fall fishing trip or a winter beach day carries the same drowning risk as a summer afternoon at the pool. The water doesn't check the calendar, so water safety can't either. Skills Fade Faster Than You'd Expect Swimming is a skill that needs regular practice, especially for young children who are still building water confidence and muscle memory. A few months off can undo progress that took months to build. Parents are often surprised each spring by how much their child seems to be starting over, struggling to float or kick the way they could just months earlier. That's not a reflection of effort. It's simply what happens when a perishable skill goes unused. This is where consistency makes the biggest difference. A child who attends lessons weekly all year is a different swimmer than one who only practices for two months each summer, not just in skill level, but in real water safety. Consistency Is Where the Real Benefit... - Published: 2026-07-17 - Modified: 2026-07-17 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/why-hydration-is-so-important-even-in-the-pool/ - Categories: New Uncategorized When it comes to days by the pool, most parents and guardians are in full sun-safety mode, sunscreen, rash guards, the works. But there's one thing that tends to fly under the radar even for the most prepared swim parents: dehydration. Dehydration can sometimes go unnoticed when families are spending time in the cool water. It’s hard to tell that it’s happening until it’s too late. But at Watermelon Swim, we’re here to let you know why you should be aware and what to look out for. The Pool Is Really Good at Hiding the Signs Here's what normally happens when kids play outside in the heat: they run around, they get warm, they slow down, and eventually they ask for a drink. Their body sends signals that are easy to respond to. In the water, that whole system can get scrambled. The water keeps their skin cool, so it's much harder to recognize the signs of getting overheated. Sweat gets immediately washed away. None of the usual cues are registering, so kids just keep going. Add a child that will happily stay in a pool until someone calls them out, and you have a situation where they can be significantly more dehydrated than they feel or appear. They're Still Sweating, You Just Can't Tell This is the part that surprises most parents. Being in water doesn't stop the body from sweating. Physical activity drives fluid loss the same way whether your child is on a soccer field or splashing... - Published: 2026-07-01 - Modified: 2026-07-02 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/julys-monthly-melon-news/ - Categories: Announcements, Blog, News Stay Consistent This Summer! With weekend trips and more activities during the summer months, it can be hard to stay consistent with swim lessons. We encourage all families to try to stay as consistent as possible with their weekly lessons so their child doesn’t lose progress. If you know ahead of time you won’t be around during one of your child’s lessons, we have some exciting news: you can now report absences and schedule make-ups via our app! Report Absences with Our App! Exciting News! Watermelon Swim families can now report absences on our app. Just let us know before the start of your class, and you will receive a make-up token that is good for 30 days! Download the App on an Apple Device Download the App on Google Play Vacation Safety Tips When you’re on vacation this summer, it’s important to stay aware of the best water safety practices. Traveling mixes up routines and brings families to unfamiliar territories. It’s essential to plan so you can be prepared! Research the rental house/resort. Is there a backyard pool with barriers? Is there easy access to a beach or river? These are important things families need to know for proper water safety planning. Do a sweep when swim time is over. Clear the pool of toys and floaties, lock gates and doors, and make sure children won’t be able to access the pool on their own. Pick out a brightly colored swimsuit. When on vacation with bigger groups, you want... - Published: 2026-07-01 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/staying-water-smart-at-your-vacation-rental/ - Categories: Blog, Educational As we get deeper into summer, we know many families have vacations coming up or are starting the planning process. Whether you're heading to a beachside cottage, a lake house, or a resort with a sprawling pool deck, there is so much to look forward to. We're so excited for you to get to take a break, slow down, and make some memories with the people you love most. When traveling with the whole family, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new place. New surroundings mean new bodies of water, new pool setups, and new things to navigate as a parent. A little preparation before and during your trip goes a long way to make sure everyone has a great time and stays safe while doing it. Do Your Research About the Rental If renting a house or cottage with a pool, pay attention to what kind of barriers, if any, they have around it. A four-sided fence with a self-latching gate is the gold standard. If a listing doesn't mention pool fencing, it's worth reaching out to the host before you book. Is the rental on a lake or river? Is there easy access to that body of water? Kids are curious, and a child in an exciting new place may not be fully aware of their own safety while they're exploring. Walk the property when you arrive so you know exactly what you're working with. Wear a Bright Swimsuit If you’re heading to... - Published: 2026-06-18 - Modified: 2026-06-18 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/water-park-safety-tips/ - Categories: Blog, Educational, summer Here in the sunny state of Florida, we’re surrounded by some of the best water parks in the world. For Watermelon Swim families, we even have Adventure Island right in our backyard! Thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools- what could be better? As fun as water parks are, it’s important to walk through the gates with safety top of mind. Just like at the beach or backyard pool, a little preparation goes a long way To help you stay safer this summer, Watermelon Swim has gathered some tips to help every family have a fun-filled, low-stress day at the water park. Lifeguards are just one layer of safety, not the only layer Lifeguards are an important part of water park safety, but in a crowded, fast-moving environment, they simply can't watch every person at once. That's why parental supervision is just as critical here as it is at any other body of water. Designate one adult as the water watcher, someone who stays focused with eyes on the swimmers at all times. For beginners, that means staying within arm's reach too. It's the same practice we recommend at home pools and the beach, and it applies just as much at a water park. That extra layer of attention goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe and letting your family enjoy the day as you move throughout the park. Follow Height, Weight, and Age Guidelines for Attractions Many slides create a strong current where they meet the pool; some... - Published: 2026-06-09 - Modified: 2026-06-09 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/updates-to-the-american-academy-of-pediatrics-drowning-prevention-guidelines/ - Categories: Announcements, Blog, Educational, News Keeping up with the latest water safety research is one of the best things you can do for your family, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) just made some important updates to their drowning prevention guidelines. The AAP is a trusted organization of more than 67,000 pediatricians dedicated to the health and wellbeing of children. From cold and flu season to injury prevention, they provide research-backed guidance that families can rely on. Their drowning prevention guidelines are no exception. We're breaking down the key highlights from the latest updates, so you and your family have the most current information on staying safer in and around the water. The AAP Recommends That Infants Experience Water with a Parent or Guardian From the very beginning, the water should feel like a safe and happy place. When parents and guardians are in the water alongside their little ones, infants build confidence while feeling secure, laying the foundation for a lifetime of water safety skills. Programs that skip this step and introduce infants to the water without a caregiver present may miss this critical window for building positive associations. At Watermelon Swim, we believe in starting that bond early. Children experience swim lessons with a parent or guardian until 18 months old, when they're ready to take on Level 1 of our Learn to Swim program. Swim Competency Requires Consistent Lessons Over Time Learning to swim isn't a one-and-done achievement, it's a skill that builds gradually with time, repetition, and progression. To truly... - Published: 2026-06-03 - Modified: 2026-06-03 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/junes-melon-news/ - Categories: Announcements, Blog, News School’s Out! School’s out for summer, and that means more time for the things you love. Beach days, sunny afternoons on the boat, and relaxing time by the pool are right around the corner. If your little melon is only attending class one day a week, we highly encourage you to take advantage of your extra time this summer to sign them up for a second class. Not only can this help your little melon progress faster, it will help them gain confidence for all the fun, water filled activities we’re sure you have planned throughout the summer. And don’t forget, families receive a discount for swimming multiple times a week! Talk to the front desk during your next visit to learn more. Water Safety Tips for Gatherings Summer is here and so are the risks. It’s the season for pool parties, family barbeques, and backyard get-togethers. Almost 23% of drownings happen during gatherings. It’s important to incorporate layers of safety at your gathering this summer to significantly reduce the risk of an emergency. Things like: Assigning a water watcher. This is a sober, undistracted adult whose job is keeping an eye on everyone in the pool. Taking frequent breaks. In this Florida heat it’s essential to take breaks to hydrate and refuel. Making pool rules clear. Don’t assume everyone already knows what they can and can’t do at the pool, even adults. Having proper fencing and barriers around the pool. Self-locking gates and a safety barrier of at least... - Published: 2026-06-02 - Modified: 2026-06-02 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/swim-lesson-aftercare-basics/ - Categories: Blog, Educational New to the pool? No worries, Watermelon Swim is here with simple tips to help you care for your little melon after every swim. A few easy post-pool habits can keep kids comfortable, confident, and excited for their next lesson. Chlorine-Removing Shampoo Every little melon’s hair is unique, but there’s one thing most hair types have in common: chlorine can be drying over time. The good news is that with the right aftercare, swim hair can stay healthy, soft, and manageable, even for future swim team stars. For children swimming once or twice a week, chlorine exposure is usually very manageable. One of the best ways to protect hair is by washing it after lessons with a chlorine-removing shampoo, such as TRISWIM. These shampoos are specially formulated to help remove chlorine and pool odors while restoring moisture to the hair. You can find TRISWIM products right in our Watermelon Patch retail area, just ask the front desk during your next visit! Pro-tip: Wet your swimmer’s hair in the shower before going into the pool. This step reduces how much chlorinated water can be absorbed by their hair. Moisturize Swimming is fantastic for the body, but chlorine can sometimes leave skin feeling a little dry, especially for children with sensitive skin. A quick rinse immediately after swimming helps wash away lingering chlorine and keeps skin feeling fresh. Following up with a gentle moisturizer or lotion helps lock hydration back into the skin and keeps your little melon comfortable after lessons. TRISWIM... - Published: 2026-06-01 - Modified: 2026-06-01 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/the-importance-of-learning-cpr/ - Categories: Blog, Educational, New Uncategorized The first week of June is CPR & AED Awareness Week. From June 1-7, we’re taking the opportunity to spotlight this essential skill that we believe every family should have in their back pocket. When most people think of Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, they picture lifeguards, doctors, or emergency responders. But the truth is CPR is also for everyday heroes, like parents, grandparents, babysitters, and even older siblings. Why Is CPR An Important Skill? A common misconception about CPR is that you’ll probably never need it. And while we hope that’s true, you never know when an emergency can arise, and often, there’s no healthcare professional around to immediately help. Most cardiac arrests happen at home, where family members and friends are the first ones able to help. Our question for you is, are you prepared? Let’s Talk Numbers Cardiac arrest happens unexpectedly, and many believe this issue doesn’t affect younger people. The reality is that it can happen at any age as a result of different emergency situations like drowning or choking. A look at the stats: CPR administered within two minutes of a cardiac emergency increases the rate of survival by 81%. 70% of cardiac arrests happen in the home. Only 2. 4% of Americans are trained to perform CPR annually. An estimated 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest annually in the US. For adults who became certified in CPR, AED, & First Aid, 69% felt more prepared for an emergency. The more people who learn CPR, the more lives we... - Published: 2026-05-20 - Modified: 2026-05-20 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/how-early-swim-lessons-may-help-your-child-get-a-head-start/ - Categories: Blog, Educational, New Uncategorized Swimming is a lot more than a summer pastime. Not only is it a strength-building, life-saving skill; studies show that early swim lessons may play a meaningful role in how young children grow, think, and learn. Research suggests that the benefits of swimming extend far beyond the pool. From boosting confidence to accelerating developmental milestones, early exposure to swimming can help set children up for success both physically and cognitively. What Research Tells Us A study done by Griffith University in Australia surveyed parents of 7,000 children under five from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States over three years. In that time, lead researcher Professor Robyn Jorgensen found that children who participate in swimming are statistically ahead of their peers in a wide range of skills In addition to hitting physical milestones faster, the children scored significantly better in visual-motor skills like cutting paper, coloring, and math-related tasks. Jorgensen shared, “The children were anywhere from six to 15 months ahead of the normal population when it came to cognitive skills, problem-solving in mathematics, counting, language, and following instructions. ” The Brain Benefits Swimming engages multiple areas of the brain at once, combining movement, coordination, and focus. Children learn to follow instructions, respond to cues, and build concentration in a structured but fun environment. According to the Griffith University study, children who swim show advanced skills in problem-solving, memory, math, and language. These early gains can support learning both in and out of the classroom. The Physical Benefits Swimming supports... - Published: 2026-05-12 - Modified: 2026-05-12 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/tips-for-a-safer-swims/ - Categories: Blog, Educational It’s Water Safety Week! At Watermelon Swim, one of our biggest goals is to equip families with the knowledge they need to feel confident and capable around water. With pools, lakes, and beaches calling our names, it’s important to understand how to stay safer in every setting, whether you’re relaxing at the neighborhood pool or heading out for a day on the boat. A little preparation goes a long way in helping everyone enjoy the water with peace of mind. Here are some of Watermelon Swim’s top tips for staying safer around water: Bright Swimsuit Colors Swimsuit color is about more than just style, it's safety! Bright, neon colors have higher visibility. These colors stand out and are easy to see even under the surface. Dull, dark, neutral colors have lower visibility. These colors will blend in with the color of the water, especially in the ocean or the lake, making it harder to spot your little melon. Great choices are hot pink, neon yellow & orange, and lime green. Not-so-great choices are black & gray, shades of blue, and muted patterns. Choose bold, bright colors for safer swims! Boating Safety Guidelines Nothing beats a sunny day on the boat. Here are some essential tips so the good times can keep rolling when you and your family take to the water: Wear a life jacket. Brightly colored, Coast Guard-approved, properly fitted, and worn at all times Check the weather. Review radar & forecasts before heading out and stay alert for... - Published: 2026-05-05 - Modified: 2026-05-05 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/were-going-wild-for-national-water-safety-month/ - Categories: Announcements, Blog We’ have some big news, Melon Families! We’re taking our mission beyond the pool and into the wild, Watermelon Swim is proud to announce our corporate sponsorship with ZooTampa, one of Tampa Bay’s most beloved family destinations! ZooTampa’s commitment to education, conservation, and community makes them the perfect partner as we continue to spread water safety awareness throughout the Tampa Bay area. Together, we’re creating more opportunities to connect with families in fun, engaging environments they already know and love Making Waves at ZooTampa Events As part of this exciting partnership, Team Melon will be popping up at ZooTampa for special family-friendly events all year long! Manatee Conservation On Saturday, May 2nd, some of the Melon crew, and our favorite guy, Slyce, visited the zoo to spread our mission, and host two water safety presentations, and give away some melontastic swag to go home with families. Toddler Tuesday This members-only event is focused on the littlest of melons. On Tuesday, May 12th, families & their toddlers can find us at Toddler Tuesday promoting water safety education, hosting giveaways, and even a mascot meet & greet, with Slyce. Be sure to keep an eye on our social channels for updates, giveaways, and more chances to see Team Melon in action! Why This Partnership Is So Impactful Here in Florida, bodies of water are around every corner, that’s why water safety & drowning prevention are an essential part of every child’s education. By partnering with ZooTampa, we’re able to bring these important... - Published: 2026-04-30 - Modified: 2026-04-30 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/celebrate-national-water-safety-month-with-watermelon-swim/ - Categories: Announcements, Blog, Educational, Events, New Uncategorized As the school year winds down and summer vacation is on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to turn your focus to water safety. Each year in May, National Water Safety Month, communities nationwide come together to highlight the importance of being safer in and around water. In Florida, water is part of everyday life, covering a significant portion of our state and surrounding us at every turn, from sandy beaches and cool springs to neighborhood pools. Because of this, water safety is more than a seasonal topic; it’s a year-round necessity. At Watermelon Swim, we’re dedicated to helping families build confidence and awareness by equipping children with the skills and knowledge they need to stay safer in and around the water. This Water Safety Month, we’re expanding our impact, bringing families together through community events, meaningful partnerships, in-lesson emergency preparedness, and enhanced water safety education. Check out all of the ways we are celebrating below! Why it Matters Let’s take a look at the statistics: Florida leads the nation in fatal drowning incidents for children ages 1-4. Over 80% of drownings happen in residential pools with an adult present. Drowning can happen in under two minutes and is often completely silent. A child can drown in less than two inches of water. 66% of people who drown knew how to swim. 80% of all drowning victims are boys. Children from African American and Hispanic communities are disproportionately affected, with drowning rates more than three times higher than their peers.... - Published: 2026-03-20 - Modified: 2026-03-20 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/splash-safer-2026-making-water-safety-a-community-celebration/ - Categories: Blog, Events As summer approaches, there’s no better time to focus on staying safer around water—especially for families with young children. That’s why Splash Safer 2026 is making a splash this May with a fun, educational, and community-centered event you won’t want to miss. A Day of Fun with a Purpose Taking place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, Splash Safer is held in recognition of National Water Safety Month, bringing together families, local heroes, and community partners for a day dedicated to drowning prevention and water confidence. Hosted by Tampa General Hospital in partnership with Hernando County Fire Rescue and Watermelon Swim, this event blends hands-on learning with exciting activities for all ages. What to Expect Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or just looking for a meaningful way to spend the day with your kids, there’s something here for everyone: Swim with a firefighter Water safety education for kids and families Community vendors & helpful resources Delicious food trucks Giveaways and prizes, including free swim lessons Interactive, hands-on fun for all ages This unique experience gives children the chance to build confidence in the water while learning essential safety skills—plus, swimming alongside a firefighter makes it even more memorable! Event Details Location: Watermelon Swim Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10am – 2pm Cost: FREE and open to the public Click here to learn more and register for swim sessions Why It Matters Water safety isn’t just a seasonal concern—it’s a life-saving priority. Splash Safer aims to empower families with the knowledge, skills,... - Published: 2026-03-17 - Modified: 2026-03-17 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/now-accepting-step-up-for-students-scholarships-2/ - Categories: Blog, Educational New Month, New Swim Focus at Watermelon Swim! This month, we’re diving into the 3 B’s of swimming: Balance, Buoyancy, and Breath Control. These foundational skills help our little melons maintain strong body position, glide more efficiently, and grow into confident, safer swimmers. When the 3 B’s click, everything else starts to fall into place! Our lower-level swimming classes, Water Babies, Parent Tot 1 & 2, and Learn to Swim, focus on mastering the “Three B’s” of swimming. These give our students the basic skills they need to master more advanced techniques taught in our upper levels. Here’s how Team Melon incorporates the Three Bs into each class. #1 – Breath Control Breath control is the first step in teaching children to breathe while swimming. To the surprise of many parents, this is a skill that even their new babies can learn. We often see our littlest swimmers blowing bubbles in the water before they can walk! We begin by teaching babies and toddlers how to hold their breath when their faces are underwater and how to blow bubbles in the water. This breath control helps them later as they inhale a full breath and exhale underwater as they jump, swim, and explore the water independently. Did you know this skill can fade if not used regularly? We teach parents and tots simple breath control skills they can practice in the tub or shower. Children breathe when their face is just above the water, then blow bubbles once their face... - Published: 2026-03-16 - Modified: 2026-03-17 - URL: https://watermelonswim.com/now-accepting-step-up-for-students-scholarships/ - Categories: Announcements, Blog, News We’re excited to announce that Watermelon Swim now accepts scholarships through Step Up For Students at all of our locations! This partnership allows more Tampa Bay families the opportunity to enroll their children in swim lessons using scholarship funds, helping make life-saving swim skills accessible to all. What Is Step Up for Students? Step Up For Students administers several Florida scholarship programs funded through initiatives like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and Family Empowerment Scholarship programs. These programs provide families with an Education Savings Account (ESA) that can be used for approved educational expenses, including swim lessons. At Watermelon Swim, we believe that learning to swim is an essential life skill that should be accessible to all children, and we are proud to be a Step Up partner! How to Apply for Step Up for Students Families interested in using scholarship funds must first apply directly through Step Up For Students. For the 2026–2027 school year, the priority application deadline is April 30, 2026, with applications continuing to be accepted through November 15, 2026. Families are encouraged to apply early to ensure the best chance of receiving funding. Parents or guardians can apply by visiting the Step Up For Students website. How to Enroll in Swim Lessons Using Step Up Once a family has been approved for a scholarship, enrolling in swim lessons is simple: Contact Watermelon Swim to create an account and register your student for a class. Complete enrollment by submitting a funds request to Watermelon Swim in... - Published: 2026-01-16 - Modified: 2026-01-15 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/improve-swimming-endurance/ - Categories: Educational Watermelon Swim families have been asking for recommendations on how to improve swimming endurance! While endurance is something your little melon will develop naturally over time through consistent practice, there are some tips and tricks that can help build it more efficiently. This is especially important for our upper-level swimmers in Level 7-9, where students are becoming more independent and participating in more advanced aquatics activities. What is Swimming Endurance? Swimming endurance is the ability to swim continuously and efficiently over a sustained period. For our adult swimmers looking to improve their stamina or our little melons progressing to higher-level swim skills, endurance is one of the most challenging but essential abilities to develop. Building endurance strengthens both cardiovascular fitness and muscle stamina. It's not just about swimming farther—it’s about maintaining proper technique and energy control while doing so. Without endurance, swimmers tire quickly, which can lead to poor form, slower reaction time, and increased risk of exhaustion in the water. Endurance is especially important for water safety. In many emergency situations, swimmers may not realize how quickly fatigue is setting in until they’re already struggling. Swimmers who lack endurance are more vulnerable to panic or losing control if they find themselves in deep water, strong currents, or far from safety. By building endurance, swimmers become more confident, capable, and prepared to handle unexpected challenges in the water. How To Improve Swimming Endurance Once your little melon has mastered foundational water safety and swimming skills, you can start introducing endurance-based... - Published: 2025-12-30 - Modified: 2025-12-30 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/a-melon-tastic-year-in-review-celebrating-our-impact-in-2025/ - Categories: New Uncategorized - Tags: best of tampa, community, give back, swim lessons, water safety, why watermelon swim A Melon-Tastic Year in Review: Celebrating Our Impact in 2025 It’s been a truly melon-tastic year at Watermelon Swim, and it’s all thanks to our incredible Melon Family who trusts us with your precious little swimmers day after day. Because of you, we made meaningful waves across Tampa Bay in 2025 and are already diving into the new year with momentum and purpose. We are endlessly grateful for the families who choose to swim with us and for the community that supports our mission. Our commitment to growing a community of safer swimmers, while increasing confidence in and around the water, has never been stronger. As we look ahead, we wanted to pause and celebrate the milestones that made this year so special and recognize the role you played in every success. 2025 by the Numbers and the Heart Behind Them 350,000 swim lessons taught This year, we taught over 350,000 swim lessons to more than 7,000 children, teens, and adults, helping swimmers of all ages build skills, confidence, and safer habits around the water. Over $1 million given back to the community Thanks to your generosity during fundraisers and community initiatives, Watermelon Swim was able to give over one million dollars in charitable donations supporting families and organizations across Tampa Bay. $552,000 in scholarships for Students with Disabilities We proudly provided $552,000 in scholarships for our Students with Disabilities program, helping ensure that swim lessons remain accessible, inclusive, and supportive for every swimmer. 1,200 neighbors supported through our Food Drive Through our partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay, your donations helped... - Published: 2025-12-12 - Modified: 2025-12-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/benefits-of-swimming-during-the-winter/ - Categories: Blog At Watermelon Swim, water safety is always in season! Year-round swimming is one of the benefits of indoor swimming during winter, helping ensure your child builds strong swim, safety, and survival skills... skills that will keep them safer in and around the water throughout their lives. In Florida, where we’re surrounded by water, continuing swim lessons throughout the winter is especially important to reinforce the skills your child learned during the warmer months. Benefits of Indoor Swimming During Winter Why swim during the winter? Here are just a few reasons: Improved Immune System Winter often brings colds and the flu, and some families may pause swim lessons to avoid exposure. The good news? Swimming actually helps strengthen your child’s immune system! Our indoor, heated pools provide a warm, humid environment that can help open airways, ease congestion, and support overall respiratory health, keeping your little melon ready to enjoy the season. Confidence and Mental Health Boost Shorter days and less sunlight can affect mood, even in sunny Florida. Swimming provides social interaction, a sense of accomplishment, and a physical outlet that helps boost confidence and mental well-being. When children take extended breaks, we often see hesitation and fear upon returning to class. Consistency is key, especially as your child progresses through our Learn to Swim program toward Level 6. Reaching Level 6 ensures your child has mastered critical skills for water safety and independence in the pool. Better Sleep and School Performance The holiday season can disrupt routines, leading to... - Published: 2025-12-01 - Modified: 2025-12-01 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/winter-water-safety-week-2025/ - Categories: New Uncategorized Winter Water Safety Week 2025 - The Importance of Year-Round Survival Skills We may be in December, but at Watermelon Swim, we know that the best summer swimmers are made in the winter! Next week, from December 8th to 14th, we’ll be celebrating Winter Water Safety Week, a PSA campaign to raise awareness about the importance of water safety and drowning prevention, especially in the winter months. Here in Florida, we know that drowning doesn't take a season off, and we must remain hyper-vigilant 365 days a year. During Water Safety Week, our little melons can expect to experience the same life-saving skills they receive each week, with some added twists. We encourage our swimmers to come to class fully clothed to experience what it would feel like to fall in the water with clothes on. Clothes are often heavier than swimsuits. This exercise will get them familiar with practicing skills fully clothed should that situation arise. Additionally, we will be using life jackets so that our students can experience the proper technique to swim with a floating device on. Water Safety Week education does not stop in the pool. We will be hosting Water Safety presentations in our lobby during every class to give parents and guardians the tools and resources they need to thrive. We can’t wait to celebrate another Water Safety Week with you all, and to continue our mission of growing a community of safer swimmers! - Published: 2025-11-11 - Modified: 2025-11-11 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/gingerbread-village-presented-by-watermelon-swim-at-glazer-childrens-museum/ - Categories: Announcements, Events Watermelon Swim is thrilled to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s Gingerbread Village, a beloved winter tradition at Glazer Children’s Museum! From November 4 through January 1, families can visit the village as part of their regular museum admission. What to Expect at the Gingerbread Village The Gingerbread Village transforms the museum’s MakeSpace exhibit into a winter wonderland where creativity and imagination come to life. Families are invited to admire the festive creations on display and then build their own gingerbread house masterpieces using a variety of recycled materials. From cardboard and egg cartons to pom poms, pipe cleaners, and beads—there’s no limit to how sweet (or silly) your creation can be! More than just fun, Gingerbread Village is thoughtfully designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills, spark creativity, and encourage children to experiment, collaborate, and learn through play. It’s a perfect example of how Glazer Children’s Museum turns family time into meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. We’re so proud to partner with Glazer Children’s Museum for this special holiday event. Be sure to stop by, join the fun, and don’t forget to add a pool (and a safety fence! ) to your gingerbread house. After all, safety is always in season! P. S. Make sure to tag us in your Gingerbread Village photos when you visit the museum! - Published: 2025-11-11 - Modified: 2025-11-11 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/giving-thanks-and-giving-back-our-annual-thanksgiving-food-drive/ - Categories: Announcements, Events A huge thank-you to everyone who joined in on our October fun! From swimming with pumpkins and visiting our patches to celebrating at Fall Festival, October was a spooktacular success thanks to all of our amazing swim families. Now, we’re keeping the fun (and kindness! ) flowing into the holiday season as we kick off our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive! This month, we’re trading pumpkins for cans and collecting food donations to support families right here in our community. At Watermelon Swim, our mission is to grow a community of safer swimmers – but that starts with strong, supported communities. No one can focus on learning or thriving if their basic needs aren’t met, and that’s why this food drive means so much to us. Together, we can help make sure every family has food on the table this Thanksgiving. Starting November 1st, we’ll be collecting nonperishable food items at all locations to donate to Feeding Tampa Bay, which provides food banks at local schools. Our goal is to fill two large bins at each location by November 20th, ensuring families have what they need in time for Thanksgiving. Here are some great items to donate: Canned gravy, vegetables (green beans, corn, peas, ect. ), and fruits (pumpkin, apples, yams, ect. ) Cranberry Sauce Cornbread mix Non-refrigerated pie crust Boxed pudding Rolls or biscuits White rice Mashed potatoes Mac and cheese Cream of mushroom soup French fried onions Crackers Boxed stuffing Other nonperishable foods Bring your donations to your next... - Published: 2025-11-06 - Modified: 2025-11-12 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/merry-melon-giving-tree-is-back/ - Categories: Announcements, Events At Watermelon Swim, our mission goes beyond creating a community of safer swimmers – it’s about building stronger, more supported communities both in and out of the pool. From raising scholarships for our Students with Disabilities program to collecting food donations for Feeding Tampa Bay, our hearts are full of giving this holiday season. Now, we’re excited to kick off one of our favorite annual traditions: the Merry Melon Giving Tree! Our Giving Tree program is a cherished Watermelon Swim tradition that helps bring holiday cheer to Tampa Bay families facing financial hardship. Since 2007, this program has supported hundreds of families by providing gifts, meals, clothing, and more – ensuring every child can experience the joy of the holidays. This year, we’re continuing that mission while also sharing the gift we know best: the gift of swim! How it Works: From November 20th through December 19th, our Melon Family can visit any of our five locations to pick an ornament from our Merry Melon Giving Tree. Each ornament represents a wish list from a local family in need. You can fulfill their wish in person by purchasing the listed gift and returning it, new and unwrapped, to your local Watermelon Swim with the ornament attached. Prefer to give online? Check out our curated online Giving Tree Retail Shop or the Merry Melon Amazon Wish List, which allows you to purchase gifts directly and have them shipped to our Wesley Chapel location. Team Melon will then transform our Wesley Chapel... - Published: 2025-10-27 - Modified: 2025-10-27 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/floating-vs-swimming-2/ - Categories: Blog, Classes There’s always a lot to talk about around water safety and swim lessons in the summertime, when families enjoy the pool, beach, and all kinds of water fun. But the truth is, access to water, and the risks that come with it, don’t disappear when summer ends. At Watermelon Swim, we want families to understand that water safety and swim lessons are a year-round commitment, preparing children for emergencies that can happen any time of year. Backyard pools, ponds, lakes, and, of course, the Gulf and ocean remain part of daily life in our state. That means the risk of drowning is a year-round issue, too. The good news? Formal, continuous swim lessons are the only factor proven to reduce drowning risk by 88%. Want to see how we teach both? Explore our swim lessons in Lutz, FL, to build safety and confidence step by step. Here are some of the top reasons to keep swimming all year: Avoid Swim Regression Repetition is key, especially in early childhood swim lessons. Families who swim multiple times per week see progress stick more quickly because of extra practice and consistency. But when lessons stop, children’s skills can regress just as quickly. Think of it like academics: just as math and reading skills can slide during summer break, swim skills fade without consistent practice. Ongoing year-round swimming helps ensure progress stays strong and lifesaving reflexes remain second nature. Our swim school emphasizes consistent schedules in a safe environment, so children build confidence each... - Published: 2025-10-09 - Modified: 2025-11-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/floating-vs-swimming/ - Categories: Blog, Classes At Watermelon Swim, we often hear: “My child can float, do they really NEED to learn how to swim at this age? ” The short answer: floating vs swimming are different skills, and your child needs both no matter how young. Floating keeps children calmer in emergencies, while swimming helps them move confidently through the water. When learned together, they create a strong foundation for lifelong water safety. Want to see how we teach both? Explore our swim lessons in Lutz , FL, to build safety and confidence step by step. What Does It Mean to Float? Floating is the ability to stay on the surface of the water without forward movement. It doesn’t look flashy, but it’s one of the most important survival skills your child can learn. A strong floater can: Lie calmly on their back with arms and legs extended Roll onto their back after swimming on their stomach Hold their head above water to breathe Relax their body without panicking This calm ability to float can buy valuable time until help arrives or until a swimmer has the strength to return to safety. However, it’s important to understand that floating alone is not enough. Many young children can float for a few seconds, but maintaining that position for longer periods requires strength, calmness, and practice. Panic, fatigue, or water conditions can quickly make floating alone difficult to sustain. That’s why at Watermelon Swim, we teach floating as one piece of a complete safety picture—an essential survival... - Published: 2025-09-04 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/fall-festival-and-pumpkin-patch-2025/ - Categories: Announcements, Events At Watermelon Swim, fall means one thing...  Pumpkin Season! Our annual Pumpkin Patch is back, and it’s the perfect way to bring our community together, celebrate the season, and remember the importance of year-round swimming. This year, we’re going bigger than ever with five Watermelon Swim Pumpkin Patches, one at each of our locations. From October 3rd through October 31st, stop by to pick out your perfect pumpkin and get in the fall spirit, all while supporting our mission to grow a community of safer swimmers. Every pumpkin purchase changes lives. Proceeds from the patch directly fund scholarships in our Students with Disabilities Program, which ensures Tampa Bay children with physical and mental disabilities have access to the swimming, safety, and survival skills they need to develop a lifelong love for the water. These lessons don’t just teach strokes; they build confidence, foster independence, and can truly change lives! Here’s where you can find us: Large outdoor patches at South Tampa and Lutz Indoor mini patches at Wesley Chapel, Riverview, and Brooksville Each patch will feature Instagram-worthy photo ops so grab your cutest fall outfits (matching flannels encouraged! ) and come make some melon-tastic memories. Admission is FREE and open to the public from 8 AM – 8 PM all month long! H2: Mark Your Calendar for our Fall Festival! On October 18th, our Lutz and South Tampa locations will host our annual Fall Festival from 4 PM – 7 PM. This is a free family event packed with seasonal fun, including: Trunk-or-treating Fall-themed games & prizes Photo ops Tasty treats Bounce houses Pumpkin... - Published: 2025-09-03 - Modified: 2025-09-03 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/swimming-through-level-six/ - Categories: Blog At Watermelon Swim, our mission is simple but deeply meaningful: to grow a community of safer swimmers while reducing the risks in and around water. It’s a mission that doesn’t happen overnight, just like your little melon’s swim journey. When families begin lessons with us, a common question we hear is: “How long until my child learns to swim? ” or “Do we really need to complete all the levels? ” Let’s unpack what it really means to learn to swim level 6 and why completing our program through Level 6 is essential to your child becoming a confident, competent, and safer swimmer. What Does It Actually Mean to Learn to Swim? For many parents, the definition of learning to swim can vary. At Watermelon Swim, we work to grow competent swimmers. A competent swimmer is one who can move freely, unassisted, throughout a pool or other water environment. Specifically, a competent Watermelon Swim student can: Independently return to the wall after falling in Have proper form while swimming on their front and can roll onto their back to rest and breathe Consistently establish and maintain a floating position Maintain forward swim progress and breathing patterns in stressful situations Swim extended distances on front and back with applicable breathing based on the stroke performed Swim underwater short distances with confidence Tread water and stay calm in deeper conditions These are life-saving skills, especially here in Florida, where we’re surrounded by pools, lakes, and beaches all year long. And here’s the truth: your child won’t reliably have these... - Published: 2025-08-22 - Modified: 2025-08-27 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/settlement-period-in-swim-classes/ - Categories: Blog “Why won’t my child stop crying during swim class? ” “How long will it take for them to feel comfortable? ” If you’ve asked these questions, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not the only one whose little melon cries during swim lessons. At Watermelon Swim, we know that every child is different, and so is every swim journey. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, our 40+ years of experience teaching swim lessons in Lutz, FL, have taught us that adjusting to swim class (what we call the “settlement period”) is a natural and important part of the process. First-Day Jitters Are Totally Normal Many little ones begin swimming lessons before they’ve entered school or pre-K, meaning swim school may be their first structured learning environment away from their parents. This can bring up big feelings, from separation anxiety to fear of new surroundings, and uncertainty about what’s to come. These emotions are totally normal. Think of swim lessons like the first day of school: it’s a big transition. New people, new routines, new sensations. For children, especially those under five, that’s a lot to take in. Why Is My Child Crying? There are several reasons a kids cry during their first few swim lessons: New sensations like water in the ears, holding their breath, or being submerged. Separation from a caregiver, even briefly, can feel overwhelming. New expectations and group dynamics may feel unfamiliar or stressful. The good news? With consistent swim class attendance, reassurance, and time, most children begin to feel... - Published: 2025-08-18 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/sweet-peas-at-watermelon-swim-brooksville-is-now-open/ - Categories: Announcements, Blog Big News, Melon Family! Our newest Watermelon Swim location in Brooksville has been a splashing success, and now we’re growing again! We are thrilled to announce that Sweet Peas Educational Gymnastics is now enrolling for classes at our Brooksville location. Sweet Peas is an early childhood gymnastics program for ages 0 months–6 years, designed to support children’s social, cognitive, and physical development.  Each class is built around your child’s stage of growth, using movement and sensory activities that strengthen the brain while building confidence, coordination, and strength. Just like our swim lessons, Sweet Peas classes grow with your child, helping them develop the skills they need for success in school, sports, and life. Now Introducing: Swim & Gym! When you combine Watermelon Swim’s year-round swim lessons with Sweet Peas gymnastics, your child gets the ultimate foundation for physical, emotional, and social growth. Plus, Melon Families who enroll in both programs receive a 10% tuition discount! Classes are filling quickly, so don’t wait. Enroll online today or call us at 813-229-7946 to start your child’s gymnastics journey! - Published: 2025-08-12 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/rip-currents-during-hurricane-season/ - Categories: Blog, Educational Here in Tampa Bay, we’re lucky to be surrounded by beautiful beaches, but with that beauty comes responsibility. One major hazard to be aware of, especially as hurricane season ramps up, is rip currents. These fast-moving channels of water are responsible for over 80% of beach rescues nationwide, according to the U. S. Lifesaving Association. Unfortunately, while many Floridians know rip currents exist, far fewer know how to recognize them or what to do if they’re caught in one. This is where swim lessons become more than just a fun activity; they become a crucial safety measure. In fact, consistent swim lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%, and when it comes to unpredictable conditions like strong rip currents, that preparation can make all the difference. At Watermelon Swim, our swim lessons in South Tampa are built around one mission: growing a community of safer swimmers. As beach conditions grow more dangerous during the stormy season, knowing how to spot a rip current is more important than ever to ensure your family has the skills and confidence to stay safe in and around the water. What Is a Rip Current ? A rip current is a strong, narrow flow of water that moves away from the shore, cutting through breaking waves. These powerful currents form when water pushed toward the beach by waves flows back out through a weak point in the sandbar, dragging water and anything in it back out to sea. The force of a rip current can pull swimmers into... - Published: 2025-07-31 - Modified: 2025-07-31 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/slyce-is-turning-4-join-the-celebrations-all-week-long/ - Categories: Announcements Everyone’s favorite slice of watermelon has a birthday coming up and we’re celebrating in true Watermelon Swim style! Our beloved mascot Slyce, turns FOUR on Sunday, August 3rd, and we’re inviting all of our melon families to join the fun. From goodie bags and mascot visits to social media challenges and sweet giveaways, the celebration doesn’t stop there... We’re stretching out the fun all month long with contests, community love, and prizes galore! Because after all, it’s watermelon season year-round here! Slyce’s Birthday Bash Kickoff Mark your calendars! On Sunday, August 3rd, we’re kicking off Slyce’s birthday celebration with a special reel on social media. Be sure to check it out and drop your birthday wishes for the biggest slice in Tampa Bay! The same day, we’re launching Slyce’s Sweet Social Media Challenge: #MelonMoments from August 3rd to the 10th. We want to see all of your melon moments whether your little one is showing off their swim skills in class, practicing at home, or repping their watermelon swag with pride! Entering is easy! Post a photo or video to Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok Tag us @WatermelonSwimFl Use the hashtag #MelonMoments You’ll help us spread the Watermelon Swim mission and enter to win a melon-tastic prize pack including: A $100 swim lesson gift certificate A basket full of Watermelon Swim swag Your very own stuffed Slyce plush! The winner of Slyce’s Sweet Social Media Challenge will be announced through social media on Monday, August 11th. Slyce on Tour: In-Person Appearances... - Published: 2025-07-11 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/floaties-and-water-wings-are-more-dangerous-than-you-think/ - Categories: Educational Should My Child Wear Floaties in the Water Summer in Florida means long days in the water with your curious little melons. Many Watermelon Swim families have already heard us talk about floaties, but the real dangers they pose might not be clear. Here is a breakdown of the myths around water wings and other kiddie flotation devices, why they should be avoided, and what you can use instead to keep your child safer in and around water. The Bottom Line: Floaties Are Toys, Not Safety Devices Water wings, puddle jumpers, and other inflatable floaties might be fun, but they do not protect children from drowning. Unlike U. S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, floaties have not been tested or certified as lifesaving devices. The most dangerous part is that floaties give children and adults a false sense of security. Parents may assume a child is safe simply because they are wearing floaties, which can lead to lapses in supervision. Children may start to believe they can swim independently when they are actually dependent on their flotation device. Floaties vs Life Jackets: What is the Difference The difference between a floatie and a life jacket is not just about material. It is about safety certification and design. Life Jackets Life jackets are rigorously tested and approved by the U. S. Coast Guard for use in real emergencies. They are required for every passenger on boats and are used at water parks for a reason. They save lives. Life jackets are difficult... - Published: 2025-06-30 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/boating-safety-tips-for-kids/ - Categories: Educational Summer is in full swing here in Florida, and that means many of our Melon Families are heading out for fun in the sun! With the heat cranked up, most outdoor activities involve water in some way, making boating, swimming, and water sports a top pastime for families across the state. Did you know that Florida is recognized as the “Boating Capital of the World”?  With over a million registered recreational vessels—and Hillsborough County ranking in the top five for boat registrations—boating safety is more important than ever here in Tampa Bay. At Watermelon Swim, water safety is always top of mind. While our swim lessons in Lutz consistently teach and reinforce core safety skills, boating introduces unique risks that need to be addressed before you hit the water with your kids. Here are our top boating safety tips every Florida family should follow before heading out. Top Boating Safety Tips for Kids and Families in Florida 1. Always Wear a Life Jacket Everyone on board should wear a brightly colored, U. S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while the boat is in motion. While life jackets are required for every passenger, we recommend wearing them at all times, especially for children. Make sure each child wears a properly fitting life jacket that is appropriate for their weight and age 2. Check the Weather Before Boating Florida’s weather can change quickly, potentially creating dangerous waves or lightning hazards. Always check the radar and marine forecast before heading out, and stay alert... - Published: 2025-06-02 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/benefits-of-long-term-swim-lessons/ - Categories: Blog At Watermelon Swim, our mission is simple: to grow a community of safer swimmers and reduce the risks while increasing confidence in and around water. That mission starts early and lasts well beyond learning the basics. Whether you’re a parent considering lessons for your infant or wondering how long your child should stay enrolled, we’re here to help you understand why consistency and long-term commitment to swim lessons are the keys to success in and around water. Why Start Early? Starting swim lessons at a young age isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential. Research shows that early exposure to water with formal, continuous swim lessons reduces the risk of drowning by 88%. At Watermelon Swim, we welcome little ones as soon as the umbilical cord falls off through our Water Babies Program, which is completely free until 6 months of age. These early experiences help babies: Build comfort and confidence in the water Develop physical coordination and motor skills Strengthen the bond between child and caregiver Swimming at an early age also stimulates cognitive development. Lessons engage children mentally, emotionally, and socially, laying a strong foundation for lifelong safety and survival skills. The Power of Consistency Like any important life skill, swimming takes time, practice, and consistency to master. Sporadic or seasonal lessons can hinder progress, leading to regression in both skill and confidence. Our year-round swim program ensures: Regular repetition and reinforcement of safety skills Gradual and steady progress through developmental stages Stronger water proficiency over time When children attend... - Published: 2025-05-29 - Modified: 2025-05-29 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/dont-miss-the-watermelon-swim-brooksville-grand-opening-on-june-21st/ - Categories: Announcements, Blog, Events It's Watermelon Season, Brooksville! We are so excited to celebrate our newest location with our Brooksville families and community on June 21st, from 2 - 5pm. Join us for free family fun, including games and giveaways, bounce houses, face painting, and a special synchronized swimmer show by the Tampa Bay SynchRays! There will be food and frozen treats for purchase by the Go Go Burger food truck, as well as Kona Ice. Additionally, we are thrilled to offer a sneak peek of Sweet Peas at Watermelon Swim! Sweet Peas Educational Gymnastics is an early childhood gymnastics program designed to promote children’s social, cognitive, and physical development from 6 months to 6 years old. Children 6 years of age and under are invited for a sneak peak and a slice of fun(parental supervision required) with an opportunity to join our program pre-registration list. Entry to our Brooksville Grand Opening event is FREE and open to the community. Tickets are not mandatory, however, guests may RSVP for a chance to win swim lessons, prizes, and more! We can't wait to celebrate with you all and to build a community of safer swimmers in Brooksville! RSVP HERE - Published: 2025-05-16 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/the-truth-about-water-safety-and-drown-proofing/ - Categories: Educational May is water safety month, and a time for us to highlight the many ways we can stay safer around the water! For experienced swimmers and aquatic professionals, this month may seem more like a reminder than a revelation. However, one of the key messages we want to drive home is that no one is “drown-proof. ” The idea that someone can become “drown-proof” is a dangerous myth that can create false confidence and lead to life-threatening emergencies. Drowning doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care how strong of a swimmer you are, how many barriers are in place, or even how many certifications you’ve earned. In fact, most drowning incidents occur when safety precautions are present because people assume those precautions are enough. At Watermelon Swim, we teach and encourage the use of Slyce’s Seeds of Safety, which can dramatically reduce your risk – but even then, “drown-proof” still doesn’t exist. Drowning statistics are often used as a scare tactic, but they’re more than that, they’re a reality check. The statistics below are sobering, but each one comes with a powerful lesson – a takeaway to help keep your family safer in and around water. Safety Statistics to Learn From Stat: Over 80% of child drownings happen in residential pools while an adult is nearby. In almost 9/10 child drowning deaths, the caregiver claimed to be watching the child (source). Takeaway: Being nearby isn’t enough. Water supervision needs to be active – that means eyes on the water at all times,... - Published: 2025-05-14 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/staying-safe-around-natural-bodies-of-water/ - Categories: Educational Lakes, beaches, and ponds—oh my! Living in Florida means being surrounded by water, and not just the kind in swimming pools. As a peninsula bordered by both the Gulf and the Atlantic Ocean—and dotted with lakes, rivers, and ponds—our state is 20% water, not including the countless backyard pools across neighborhoods. While Watermelon Swim typically focuses on pool safety, water safety applies to all bodies of water, and in some cases, natural water can be even riskier because it lacks the protections of a pool environment. The good news? Slyce’s Seeds of Safety still apply! Barriers, adult supervision, swim lessons, and CPR/First Aid training still reduce the risk of drowning and other water-related emergencies significantly. But when it comes to natural settings like lakes and oceans, there are a few extra precautions you’ll want to take to stay safe and smart. Swimsuit Safety: Color Matters One often-overlooked detail when preparing for outdoor swimming is your child’s swimsuit color and pattern. Surprised? It’s true—what your child wears can impact how easy they are to spot underwater. In pools, visibility is usually good, but in murky or choppy natural water, it can be tough to see below the surface. That’s why bright, neon swimsuits are a must, especially colors like lime green, hot pink, or neon orange. These stand out far better than blues, dark greens, black, or dark colored patterns that blend into the water. Did you know? Research shows that bold prints and dark colors reduce underwater visibility even more.... - Published: 2025-05-12 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/national-water-safety-month-with-watermelon-swim/ - Categories: Educational April showers bring... water safety powers! That’s right – May is National Water Safety Month, a time when communities across the country join forces to raise awareness about staying safe in, on, and around water. Here in Florida, where water makes up 20% of our state, water safety isn’t just important – it’s essential. From beaches and lakes to backyard pools, water is all around us. That’s why here at Watermelon Swim, we are passionate about empowering families with the tools, skills, and knowledge they need to help their children grow into safer, more confident swimmers. Why it Matters The world is 71% water, and our children are 100% curious. We can’t expect curiosity to disappear just because we’ve told a child to be careful. The most effective way to prevent water-related emergencies is through consistent, hands-on practice of safety skills. Unfortunately, the statistics are sobering: Florida leads the nation in fatal drowning incidents for children ages 1-4. Over 80% of drownings happen in residential pools with an adult present. Drowning can happen in under two minutes and is often completely silent. A child can drown in less than two inches of water. 66% of people who drown knew how to swim. 80% of all drowning victims are boys. Children from African American and Hispanic communities are disproportionately affected, with drowning rates more than three times higher than their peers. Most importantly, formal, continuous swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88% We don’t share these statistics... - Published: 2025-04-28 - Modified: 2025-04-28 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/big-news-the-watermelon-swim-journey-sticker-book-is-here/ - Categories: Announcements, Blog - Tags: benefits of swimming, drowning prevention, statistics, swim lessons, swimming benefits, tampa bay swim lessons, water safety Watermelon Families, we have something exciting to share—something that’s been in the works for nearly a year! Introducing the Watermelon Swim Journey Sticker Book! At Watermelon Swim, we know that learning to swim starts with loving the water, and for children, that love grows through play! That’s why we’ve created a fun, interactive way for families to track their child’s swim progress from their very first class all the way through Level 6. Swimming isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifelong lifesaving ability that needs consistent practice to build and maintain. Too often, we see parents celebrate the first milestones, like floating or independent kicking, and then stop lessons... but true water safety requires ongoing repetition and development. The Watermelon Swim Journey Sticker Book makes the swim journey exciting, reinforcing the importance of sticking with lessons and celebrating each achievement along the way! Why a Sticker Book? Our fearless leader and CEO, Micha Seal, has spent the last few years brainstorming the perfect way to visually track a child’s swim journey. With over 40 years of experience in aquatics, she has seen firsthand that swimming lessons shouldn’t stop after learning to float—progression and consistency are key to becoming a safer swimmer. This sticker book was designed as a fun and engaging way to help families stay committed to lessons. By collecting stickers, children will stay motivated, and parents will see the essential milestones their child is reaching. Each sticker marks a step toward stronger, safer swimming skills that could one day... - Published: 2025-04-17 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/watermelonswim-partnership-glazer-museum/ - Categories: Announcements, Events Huge news, Melon Families! We’re making a splash in the community with a brand-new partnership: Watermelon Swim is now an official corporate partner of the Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa Bay’s leader in play-based learning! Glazer’s mission is to foster a community that values play as a foundation for children’s growth and development, something that pairs perfectly with Watermelon Swim’s mission to build confidence in and around the water and create a community of safer swimmers. We believe that play and water safety go hand in hand, and this partnership is the perfect way to bring both worlds together in meaningful, memorable ways. Plus, the timing couldn’t be better — we’re kicking things off just in time for April’s focus of the month: Slyce of Fun! Making Waves During Water Safety Month May is National Water Safety Month, and we’re teaming up with Glazer to make waves of awareness throughout the Tampa Bay Area! This May, the Glazer Children’s Museum will host our collaborative ‘Safer Swim’ PSA campaign — an immersive in-museum experience that will weave water safety tips and interactive learning into everyday play. Families visiting the museum will discover: Colorful signage featuring lifesaving swim safety tips Meet and greet with Watermelon Swim mascot Slyce A special story time event Exciting giveaways for our WMS families The goal? To help children and caregivers learn the basics of water safety in fun, playful, and engaging ways, just in time for summer. Special Water Safety Story Time We’re bringing water safety to... - Published: 2025-04-07 - Modified: 2025-11-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/how-does-swimming-improve-mental-health/ - Categories: Blog, Educational As we leave winter behind and welcome the sunshine of spring, many of us feel an instant boost in mood. The change in seasons can be uplifting, but did you know that swimming provides an even greater, year-round benefit to mental health? Low-impact, high-reward At Watermelon Swim, we emphasize the importance of safer swimming for everyone, especially here in Florida, where water surrounds us. While swimming is widely recognized for improving coordination, muscle strength, and lung capacity, its benefits go far beyond physical fitness. Often associated with leisure, swimming is sometimes overlooked as a workout. In reality, it ranks as the fourth most popular recreational activity in the U. S. and is one of the most effective full-body exercises. Thanks to its low-impact nature and high rewards, swimming is an excellent choice for people of all ages—and its positive effects on mental health are undeniable. Three ways swimming improves mental health 1. Swimming encourages the release of dopamine and serotonin Swimming engages multiple systems in the body, increasing blood flow to the brain and triggering the release of serotonin and dopamine—the hormones responsible for happiness and relaxation. These chemicals not only enhance mood and reduce stress but also play a role in focus, concentration, and memory. For those managing anxiety or depression, swimming can be a natural way to alleviate symptoms and promote emotional well-being. 2. Swimming produces endorphins Like all forms of exercise, swimming stimulates the release of endorphins, which are known for their stress-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. These "feel-good"... - Published: 2025-03-14 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/march-melon-madness/ - Categories: Events Move over, basketball—March Madness is back, Watermelon Swim style! This exciting tradition is your chance to win a $100 account credit just for showing off your Watermelon Swim pride. Keep reading to find out how to participate! What is March Melon Madness? March Melon Madness is Watermelon Swim’s annual spring program designed to spread our mission throughout the Tampa Bay area—one car at a time! While basketball may dominate the season, we’re here to remind everyone that swimming is a year-round priority. This incentive is a fun and easy way to share your love for Watermelon Swim and water safety while simply driving your daily route. How Does It Work? If you don’t have a Watermelon Swim magnet on your car yet, now’s the time to grab one! Stop by the front desk at your next swim class and pick up a magnet for free—the sooner, the better! From March 24th to March 31st, we’ll be on the lookout for cars proudly displaying their Watermelon Swim magnets. Each day, selected cars will be entered into a drawing for a $100 account credit. At the end of the week, we’ll announce one lucky winner from EACH location—that’s four winners total! So, slap that magnet on your car and let the March Melon Madness begin—may the odds be ever in your favor! Why Magnets? At Watermelon Swim, our mission is to build a community of safer swimmers—but we need your help! Magnets are an easy, passive way to spread the word about... - Published: 2025-02-05 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/can-indoor-swimming-in-the-winter-help-my-family-stay-active/ - Categories: Blog, Educational Hey there, Watermelon Swim families! As the chilly winds whistle and the days get shorter, staying active might seem like a challenge. Don’t let the winter blues cool down your family’s fun—dive into the warm and welcoming waters at Watermelon Swim! Here’s why indoor swimming in the winter is your secret weapon against a sedentary season. Wave goodbye to winter gloom with indoor swimming Winter can often mean lots of indoor time and less physical activity. But at Watermelon Swim, we believe that no season should put a freeze on fun or fitness. Our heated indoor pools are just the place to keep your spirits and body temperatures high, even when the mercury dips. Why choose indoor swimming in the winter? A tropical escape, just around the corner Missing the summer sun? Our indoor facilities maintain a comfortable and warm environment that feels like a mini tropical getaway. It’s the perfect escape from the frosty air, where your family can swim, splash, and play in perfectly heated water—no matter what the weather outside is doing. Year-round fitness for all Indoor swimming in the winter isn’t just a fun activity; it’s a fantastic full-body workout that keeps everyone from toddlers to grandparents fit and healthy. Swimming works various muscle groups, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts endurance—all without the harsh impact of many other forms of exercise. Beat the winter bugs Staying active helps strengthen the immune system, and indoor swimming is a great way to prevent winter colds. The exercise you... - Published: 2024-12-10 - Modified: 2024-12-10 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/winter-water-safety-week-2024/ - Categories: New Uncategorized Winter Water Safety Week 2024 The Importance of Year-Round Survival Skills At Watermelon Swim, we know that the best summer swimmers are made in the winter! Winter Water Safety Week 2024 will take place from December 9th - 15th and will feature our special lesson program that raises awareness about water safety and drowning prevention. During Water Safety Week, our little melons can expect to experience the same life-saving skills they receive each week, with some added twists. We encourage our swimmers to come to class fully clothed to experience what it would feel like to fall in the water with clothes on. Clothes are often heavier than swimsuits. This exercise will get them familiar with practicing skills fully clothed should that situation arise. Additionally, we will be using life jackets so that our students can experience the proper technique to swim wearing a Coast Guard approved floatation device. Our fun and engaging water safety lessons will keep our students entertained while they learn, with colorful water safety posters featuring Slyce and his friends, and skills practice that is sure to please. Water Safety Week education does not stop in the pool. We will be hosting Water Safety presentations in our lobby during every class to give parents and guardians the tools and resources they need to be water safer. We can’t wait to spend Water Safety Week with you all, and to continue our mission of growing a community of safer swimmers! Water Safety Tips Swimming lessons reduce a... - Published: 2024-11-20 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/give-the-gift-of-swimming/ - Categories: Announcements, Blog The holidays are in full swing and here at Watermelon Swim that means it’s Giving Season. As the hustle and bustle of the holidays set in, why not simplify your shopping list for the littles in your life? When you give the gift of swimming, you’re not just setting a child up for a lifetime of safety and success in the water. You are giving the gift of confidence, the gift of independence, and the gift of development. According to groundbreaking research led by Griffith University, children who swim demonstrate more advanced cognitive and physical abilities than children who do not. The findings of a four-year project by the Griffith Institute for Educational Research have surpassed expectations and indicate that swimming children have many advantages when starting school, regardless of socio-economic background. According to the study, children who had participated in formal swim lessons were anywhere from six to 15 months ahead of the non-swimming population when it came to cognitive skills, problem solving in mathematics, counting, language and following instructions. The study found that children were seven months ahead in motor development and scored significantly better in visual-motor skills such as cutting paper, coloring in, and drawing lines and shapes. The students who participated in early swimming lessons were also months ahead in socio and emotional development. The benefits of socialization in child development are endless including learning teamwork, encouraging others, making responsible decisions, welcoming differences, and so much more. So, this holiday season, why not do something different?... - Published: 2024-11-14 - Modified: 2025-02-11 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/bringing-holiday-joy-to-all-2024-melon-giving-tree/ - Categories: Announcements, Blog Update: Our Merry Melon Giving Tree application is now closed. If you would like to find out how to support a Giving Tree family please see below! Watermelon Swim gives back to local families in need each year by helping provide some extra holiday cheer! We support the Tampa Bay community that has supported us in so many ways. Since 2007 our annual Giving Tree program has helped hundreds of Tampa Bay families in need by ensuring underserved communities have access to holiday gifts, meals, clothing, and more. This year we are also spreading our mission by providing families in need with what we do best, the gift of swimming! From November 25th to December 19th, Team Melon along with our Melon-tastic swim families, are asked to take an ornament from any of our four locations to directly support a wish-list from a local family in need. Additionally, we will have an Amazon Wish List for those wishing to purchase gifts online. All gifts will be transported to our Wesley Chapel location, aka Santa’s Workshop, where they will be organized and ready for families to pick up on December 20th. If your family could use assistance, or if you would like to nominate a family in need, please complete our online form via the link below. We will be accepting up to 60 families this holiday season. Applications will be reviewed by a Merry Melon representative as they are received, and capacity is limited, so be sure to act fast!... - Published: 2024-11-13 - Modified: 2025-02-11 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/annual-pumpkin-patch-and-fall-festival-3/ - Categories: Blog, Events, News - Tags: fall festival, pumpkin patch, tampa pumpkin patch Slyce is Turning 4! Join the Celebrations All Week LongLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Sed id semper risus in hendrerit gravida. Egestas integer eget aliquet nibh praesent tristique magna. Sollicitudin aliquam ultrices sagittis orci a scelerisque purus semper eget. Nunc id cursus metus aliquam. Aenean vel elit scelerisque mauris pellentesque pulvinar pellentesque habitant morbi. Imperdiet dui accumsan sit amet nulla facilisi morbi tempus. Ipsum consequat nisl vel pretium lectus quam. Arcu dictum varius duis at consectetur lorem. Pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras ornare. Aliquet eget sit amet tellus cras adipiscing. Netus et malesuada fames ac turpis. Magna sit amet purus gravida quis blandit turpis cursus. Arcu ac tortor dignissim convallis aenean et. Adipiscing commodo elit at imperdiet dui. Velit ut tortor pretium viverra suspendisse potenti nullam ac. Habitasse platea dictumst vestibulum rhoncus est pellentesque. Tortor at auctor urna nunc id cursus metus aliquam eleifend. Aenean vel elit scelerisque mauris. Augue ut lectus arcu bibendum at varius vel. Id aliquet lectus proin nibh nisl condimentum id. Adipiscing vitae proin sagittis nisl rhoncus mattis rhoncus. Nisi quis eleifend quam adipiscing. Faucibus ornare suspendisse sed nisi lacus sed viverra tellus in. Lobortis feugiat vivamus at augue eget arcu dictum. Ut diam quam nulla porttitor massa id neque aliquam. Luctus accumsan tortor posuere ac ut consequat semper. Vel orci porta non pulvinar neque laoreet suspendisse interdum consectetur. Orci phasellus egestas tellus rutrum. Odio aenean sed adipiscing... - Published: 2024-11-08 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/thanksgiving-food-drive/ - Categories: Blog, Events Hey, Watermelon Swim family! As the temperatures dip and we all enjoy the cozy vibes of the coming seasons, it’s time to turn our attention to giving back to our community. We're making a splash by helping those in need, and we need your help to make it a tidal wave of generosity. We have some melon-tastic incentives happening this month that we are thrilled to share with you all. Dive into the Details: From November 1st - 17th we will be hosting our annual Food Drive in support of Feeding Tampa Bay. Bring in your non-perishable food items to any of our four locations and help support families in need this holiday season. Team Melon loves a friendly competition. So, to shake things up our team is competing to see who can collect the most donations. Do you have an instructor that you love? A customer service rep who goes above and beyond? Show them your support by donating items to their collection bins and help them bring home prizes and bragging rights! Double the Referral, Double the Thanks: Our Thank You Promotion! Additionally, from November 1st - 30th, we will be offering a Double the Referral Double the Thanks promotion at all locations. Refer a new family who registers during the month of November and both families will receive a $50 account credit! Referrals must be disclosed at the time of enrollment. Help spread the word on water safety this month while reaping the benefits in savings! - Published: 2024-10-21 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/swimming-and-social-skills/ - Categories: Blog, Educational There’s something magical about group learning for young children. Being part of a group can help your toddler or preschool-aged child in many ways, from making friends to mastering skills faster. Beyond being a fun way to give your small child opportunities for socialization, swim lessons help children develop physically, socially, and cognitively faster. Even language skills are boosted with swim lessons, as our breathing techniques can strengthen your child’s lips and mouth muscles to help them properly form words and make sounds correctly. The small-group dynamic at Watermelon Swim encourages your child to build strong bonds with their peers and try harder to learn swim techniques. According to a Griffith Institute for Educational Research study, children under five who participate in formal swim lessons are up to 20 months ahead of their peers in several crucial metrics. These benefits are enhanced in a group setting. How children learn from other children Group lessons, like those at Watermelon Swim, foster a sense of belonging for your child. We keep classes small so your child receives plenty of individual attention. We also incorporate play and friendly competition, especially for our littlest swimmers in Parent-Tot 1 & 2. We keep kids focused on safety and swimming skills, but we also have a lot of fun. Children learn best when taught in a game, so we have plenty of races and team competitions for all our swimmers in the Learn to Swim classes. Swimming lessons foster superior social skills Starting in infancy, your... - Published: 2024-10-05 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/indoor-swimming-in-fall/ - Categories: Blog, Educational When you’re the parent of a baby, toddler, or preschooler, you have to be a little more creative in finding socialization opportunities. While Watermelon Swim classes are a fantastic way to enhance safety and development, they also offer a wonderful social environment that's just as important. But you might wonder—when is the right time to start? How do swimming lessons promote socialization? One question we often receive is, “Is my child old enough for swimming lessons? ” The answer? Yes! The American Association of Pediatrics recommends that children as young as 1 begin formal swimming lessons to reduce their drowning risk. The earlier you introduce your child to the water, the more comfortable they become. With that comfort comes a lower risk of drowning. We waste no time getting your child comfortable in the water at Watermelon Swim. We offer classes for infants younger than one (as soon as the umbilical cord falls off). Our child-focused swimming lessons incorporate fun into learning. We believe children learn best through play. Your child will learn teamwork and how to encourage their swim classmates to master new skills successfully. We foster a sense of friendly competition in our classes, including races and team games. The common thread in all our swimming lessons is how to have fun in the water safely and how to look after your swimming buddies. The safety skills and awareness in the water your child learns when they’re young build a strong foundation. When children can demonstrate their proficiency... - Published: 2024-09-23 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/pumpkin-spice-and-everything-nice/ - Categories: Blog, Events Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice It’s Fall Y’all! At Watermelon Swim we’re gearing up for our favorite time of the year, Pumpkin Season! Visit any of the four Watermelon Swim Pumpkin Patches from October 4th to October 31st to pick out the perfect pumpkin and support your community while getting in the Fall spirit. Purchase a pumpkin at Watermelon Swim and help ensure that Tampa Bay children with both physical and mental disabilities have access to the swimming, safety and survival skills they need to develop a love of the water. A portion of all proceeds help fund scholarships in our Children with Disabilities Program. Our Lutz and South Tampa locations will feature large outdoor patches while Riverview and Wesley Chapel will feature a smaller indoor setup. All locations will feature Instagram-worthy photo-ops so grab your matching family flannels and come get in the Fall spirit. Admission is FREE and open to the public from 8am - 8pm all month long. The fun culminates on October 19th with our annual Fall Festival held from 4pm - 7pm in both our Lutz and South Tampa locations. This event is FREE and fun for the whole family featuring trunk-or-treating, fall games with prizes, fall photo-ops, tasty bites, bounce houses, pumpkin painting, and more. Fall Fest is open to the public and a great way to celebrate the season while checking out what Watermelon Swim has to offer. Want to learn more about Fall Fest? Check out our event page below and be... - Published: 2024-09-05 - Modified: 2025-02-11 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/swim-lessons-save-lives/ - Categories: Blog, Educational Meet the One-in-a-Melon, Kornicki family Here at Watermelon Swim, our mission is to grow a community full of safer swimmers and reduce the risks while increasing confidence in and around water. Our life’s passion is spreading awareness and education on the importance of water safety. With Florida leading the country in drowning deaths of children ages 1- 4, fostering a community of confident swimmers has never been more important. Did you know that participating in formal, continuous swim lessons reduces the risk of drowning in children ages 1-4 by 88%? At Watermelon Swim our goal is to ensure that every child feels safer and confident in the water. For over 40 years, our organization has worked vigilantly to educate the Tampa Bay community on drowning prevention all while creating generations of strong swimmers. Finding yourself or your family in a water emergency is often unimaginable. Possessing the necessary tools and knowledge in those situations can be the difference between life and death. This testimonial from one of our South Tampa Melon families is why we do what we do. While our hope is that no family should find themselves in a situation as critical as this one, we are overjoyed that the skills learned at Watermelon Swim resulted in a safe outcome for this family. This is our WHY! “Last week we were on vacation in Mexico. During a boat excursion the boat capsized while my children (almost 2-year-old, level 2 swimmer and 4-year-old, level 5 swimmer), their cousin (8-year-old),... - Published: 2024-08-13 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/teaching-advanced-flip-turns-in-swimming/ - Categories: Blog, Educational - Tags: swim lessons, swimming benefits From basic water safety – getting to the wall after unexpectedly being in the water – to making the wall your flip-turn friend in a race, we’re showing our swimmers the right way to use the pool walls. What’s a flip turn anyway? A flip turn is the turbo boost of the swimming world. Competitive swimmers know it well—it keeps you zooming through the water without a pause. As you approach the wall, you do a swift underwater somersault and push off the wall to continue swimming in the opposite direction. We call it the "flip turn. ” Mastering the magic of flip turns Want to nail the perfect flip turn? Here’s how you can make a splash: Start the flip: As you swim towards the wall, tuck your chin and go for a tight forward somersault. Kick-off: Push off the wall with your feet, aiming in the right direction for your next stellar lap. Swim on: Extend your arms, streamline your body, add a few dolphin kicks, and you’re back in action! Pro tips for flawless flips Practice makes perfect: Start somersaults in the pool and at home. Keep it tight with head and chin tucked! Stay streamlined: Keep your body straight like an arrow for a slick exit from the flip. Power up with your legs: Use those leg muscles for a strong push-off and dolphin kick to the surface to keep momentum going. Keep it smooth: The first few tries might slow you down, but keep at... - Published: 2024-07-18 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/why-families-love-watermelon-swim/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: swim lessons, swimming benefits Welcome to Watermelon Swim, where the water's warm, the fun never stops, and every splash counts! From babies as young as a few weeks old to adult swimmers and all ages, we have a splash of fun for everyone. Don’t just take our word for it, though – see what our Watermelon Swim families say are the top five reasons they love Watermelon Swim classes. Where safety meets splashes of fun Our mantra? Safety first, then swim, play, and fall in love with the water forever. A typical child’s swimming class may involve diving for rings to learn how to hold their breath, age-appropriate, safer ways to jump into the water, and friendly races between students. We mix safety with a tidal wave of fun, ensuring every lesson is a belly-flop-free blast! Is your child fearful of the water? We meet many nervous children, and we carefully listen to their fears and soothe them. Our instructors understand how to gradually introduce them to the water and pay close attention to ensure they’re comfortable during the class. Your child’s instructor and the Deck Supervisors monitor their progress to ensure they’re both appropriately challenged and having a great time. I love Watermelon Swim Riverview! My two- and four-year-olds have been in lessons for almost a year and have made great progress! The instructors are extremely thorough and kind. We have loved the instructors we’ve experienced: Lindsey, Kate, and Sophia. The front desk staff is amazing, too! They are so accommodating and helpful... - Published: 2024-05-14 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/water-safety-week-for-instructors-teaching-water-safety/ - Categories: Blog, Educational - Tags: swim lessons, swimming benefits Dive into Safety with Watermelon Swim This Water Safety Week! This May, Watermelon Swim is making a splash for Water Safety Week! Get ready for a whirlpool of fun and learning as we raise awareness about water safety and highlight the importance of drowning prevention. Fun learning with a splash of safety Our commitment to teaching water safety is at the heart of every Watermelon Swim class. We blend serious learning with serious fun, ensuring each lesson has engaging activities and crucial safety tips. Our instructors, the superheroes of our swim school, are always on deck to make every class a safer and more enjoyable experience. Join our team of superhero instructors! Are you passionate about making a difference and teaching lifesaving skills? We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals to join Team Melon! If you’re interested in a rewarding career filled with fun, learning, and the joy of teaching, call (813) 229-7946. We'd love to tell you more about the exciting opportunities at Watermelon Swim! Elevating skills, building confidence Our instructors aren’t just teachers; they’re confidence builders. Watermelon Swim instructors undergo at least 80 hours of rigorous training and mentoring to ensure they can provide top-notch instruction. Let’s look at how we teach water safety to children and teens. Master the strokes From the basics to advanced techniques, our instructors are experts at teaching proper stroke techniques, ensuring every swimmer masters the art of swimming efficiently and safely. Personalized attention for every swimmer We recognize that every swimmer is unique. That’s... - Published: 2024-05-14 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/water-safety-week-2024/ - Categories: Blog, Educational - Tags: swim lessons, swimming benefits Summer is approaching, meaning Water Safety Week is coming up! This annual event, held in May with National Water Safety Month, runs from May 13 to May 19, 2024. Water Safety Week is a campaign to raise awareness about water safety and drowning risks, especially for young children. Water Safety Week is one of our favorite events at Watermelon Swim, as it aligns with our mission to grow a community of safer swimmers. We’ll help you and your child learn more about what you need to be safer and have fun in the water! Read our tips below and call one of our four indoor locations across the greater Tampa area at (813) 229-7946 for a tour and more information about our small-group swimming classes. The importance of water safety Drowning occurs when too much water enters the lungs, preventing the blood from getting enough oxygen. This oxygen deprivation affects the brain and the rest of the body in as little as two minutes. Between the Gulf, the Bay, multiple rivers, retention ponds in every neighborhood, and a pool at nearly every other house, there are plenty of risks for children to drown or be injured in an aquatic accident. In a recent two-year period, Florida had the highest number of unintentional drowning death rates among children ages 1 to 4 years. This is why Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week is important to families in our community. Currently, the state is third in the nation for unintentional drowning death... - Published: 2024-04-24 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/kickoff-a-safer-summer-the-importance-of-kicking-in-swimming/ - Categories: Blog, Educational - Tags: swim lessons, swimming benefits While we would never want to contradict Dory from Finding Nemo, at Watermelon Swim, we encourage our swimmers to “just keep kicking! ” one of the most important aspects of her advice to “just keep swimming. ” In this blog, we’re focusing on all things kicking, including: Why learning to kick is important in swimming Three types of swim kicks How we help our swimmers improve their kicking Let's make a splash and learn more! Why learning to kick is important in swimming Did you know the lower body is three times stronger than the upper body? That's why we teach kicks before arms at Watermelon Swim, especially to our younger swimmers in our Parent Tot 1 & 2 and Learn to Swim levels. Focusing on kicking before arm movement helps swimmers develop balance and proper and consistent body positioning. While teaching arm movement first is tempting, introducing it too soon can affect overall coordination and positioning. Introducing a gross motor skill, kicking, rather than a fine motor skill, arm movements, is easier for a young child to master since kicking is a more instinctive motion. Gross motor skills use the large muscles in the body to master balance, coordination, and physical strength so that we can move further and faster. Swimmers may struggle to keep their lower bodies afloat without a strong kicking base. When their legs and body sink, it’s hard for them to maintain proper body positioning. Learning to kick first helps our swimmers build confidence and... - Published: 2024-03-05 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/early-swimming-lessons-and-developmental-milestones-whats-the-connection/ - Categories: Blog, Educational, News - Tags: swim lessons, swimming benefits As a parent, you want to give your kids the tools and resources to succeed, prepare them to take advantage of opportunities, and do what's best for them. You also want to protect them, and a common way parents do this is by enrolling their kids in early swimming lessons with the primary goal of water safety. We fully support this as the National Institute of Child Health and Development reports that formal and continuous swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning among children ages one to four by 88%. But what if we told you the benefits of early swimming lessons spanned beyond water safety? What if we told you early swimming lessons could help your child achieve development milestones? The Research A famous Griffith Institute for Educational Research study surveyed parents of 7,000 children under five from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States over three years. In that time, lead researcher Professor Robyn Jorgensen found that young children who participate in early swimming achieve a wide range of skills sooner than the average population. In addition to hitting physical milestones faster, the children scored significantly better in visual-motor skills like cutting paper, coloring, and math-related tasks. Jorgensen shared, "The children were anywhere from six to 15 months ahead of the normal population when it came to cognitive skills, problem-solving in mathematics, counting, language, and following instructions. " Physical Development Swimming is a full-body workout that uses different muscle groups, promoting coordination, flexibility, and strength. Kids develop fine... - Published: 2024-02-05 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/5-things-youll-love-about-watermelon-swim/ - Categories: Blog, News We're made from and surrounded by water. It's ever-present, and while exciting, it commands our respect and understanding. That's why, at Watermelon Swim, we've made it our mission to grow a community of safer swimmers, reduce risks, and increase confidence in and around water. Our year-round swim lessons are enjoyable, empowering, and essential in maintaining and improving water skills. We love bringing our core values (faMily first, intEgrity, ceLebration, passiOn, and extraordiNary results) to life, helping our students build confidence and improve their skills to become safer swimmers. We're confident you'll love our swim classes, too. Extensively Trained, Child-Friendly Team At Watermelon Swim, we do everything with integrity, starting with our hiring process. That’s why training Team Melon is a top priority. Potential team members undergo a three-step interview process and background check. Once hired, we require our instructors to complete over 100 in- and out-of-water training hours. Our team is certified in CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instructor, and Lifeguarding. Team Melon participates in continuous education to stay up-to-date on the latest teaching trends and techniques. We require each team member to attend at least three training workshops annually. We hold our team to a high standard and pour into them so they can pour out to you and give you the care and instruction you and your students deserve! Classes for Everyone We teach swimming, safety, and survival classes to babies and adults in the Tampa Bay area, including classes for children and adults with various physical and... - Published: 2023-09-07 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/annual-pumpkin-patch-and-fall-festival-2/ - Categories: Blog, Events, News - Tags: fall festival, pumpkin patch, tampa pumpkin patch It’s pumpkin season, Tampa Bay – and our annual Pumpkin Patch will open Friday, October 6th. Pick your perfect pumpkin at any of our 4 locations, with Lutz and South Tampa featuring a large outdoor patch and Wesley Chapel and Riverview having a cute little indoor setup. All of our locations have the cutest fall photo spots around, so bring your little ones and family all dressed in your fall spirit! Admission is FREE and open to the public from 8-8 all month long. Team Melon would also like to invite you to our FREE Fall Festival on Saturday, October 21st from 4-7pm at both our Lutz and South Tampa locations. It is more not-so-spooky fun than ever with trunk-or-treating, fall games with prizes, fall photo spot, food trucks, bounce house, pumpkin painting, and more! It is the perfect way to get your whole family into the fall spirit. Check out our Facebook page for sneak peeks, and be sure to tag us in your fall/pumpkin patch photos! Loading the next set of gallery items... Load More - Published: 2023-08-16 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/drowing-equity/ - Categories: Blog, News - Tags: drowning, water safety, why swim year round At Watermelon Swim, we're all about looking out for our little ones. Today, we're diving into a crucial topic: water safety. While we want our kids to have fun in the water, it's important to face the facts about drowning. Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of death for kids ages 1-4 and the second leading cause for those aged 5-14? The new U. S. National Water Safety Action Plan highlights a stark truth: not everyone bears the same risk. The numbers are even more alarming when it comes to racial disparities. Black/African American children face drowning rates 1. 5 times higher than their White peers. In the 5-9 age group, this difference triples. But here's the thing: we can change this. The United States doesn't have to accept these stats. We can turn the tide and build a culture of swimming instead of drowning. Mara Gay from The New York Times puts it perfectly, "The United States can build a culture of swimming instead of one of drowning. " Read the eye-opening piece on The New York Times and discover how we can all be part of the solution. Let's create a water-safer world where every child can jump on in without fear. Stay safe, Watermelon Swim - Published: 2023-08-02 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/august-announcements/ - Categories: Blog, Events, News, summer - Tags: august, birthday, birthdayweek, families, laborday, pumpkin, pumpkinpatch, review, reviewcontest, reviews, slyce, watermelon Slyce is Turning 4! Join the Celebrations All Week LongSummer may be coming to a close, but the excitement continues at Watermelon Swim! As we dive into the month of August, we have a delightful lineup of events and news to share that will make this season truly one in a melon. Happy Birthday, Slyce! We want to remind all our families to mark your calendars for a very special occasion – Slyce's birthday! Our lovable watermelon mascot, Slyce, is turning another year older on Thursday, August 3rd! We have been loving celebrating with our students and families all week. Don't forget to come to class decked out in your watermelon attire! 3rd Annual Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival And speaking of exciting events, as the leaves change their colors and the air turns crisp, we're excited to bring back our most cherished tradition – our annual Pumpkin Patch! From October 6th to October 31st, our little watermelons and their families are invited to join us for a month-long celebration. Do not forget to also mark your calendars for the highlight of the season – Watermelon Swim’s Fall Festival on Saturday, October 21st. We've planned an array of exciting activities and surprises that will bring smiles to both kids and parents alike. From games and crafts to delightful treats and costumes, it promises to be a day full of fun and laughter. Stay tuned for more details and a schedule of activities leading up to the event. We can't wait... - Published: 2023-07-30 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/celebrate-slyces-birthday-week-with-melontastic-fun/ - Categories: Blog, Events - Tags: birthday, melonsonthemove, slyce, slycesbirthdayweek, watermelon Slyce's birthday is just around the corner, on August 3rd, and we are thrilled to invite each and every one of you to join in on the festivities! Get ready for a week filled with watermelon-themed fun. You will find all the details for Slyce's birthday celebration in this blog. Watermelon-Themed Attire: Dress to Impress We encourage all swimmers and families to dive into the spirit of the celebration by dressing up in watermelon-themed attire. From watermelon patterned swim suits to watermelon headbands, we can’t wait to see your creativity shine! Meet and Greet with Slyce Slyce will be making special appearances at our Watermelon Swim locations. Below is the schedule: Wesley Chapel: Wednesday, August 2nd Lutz: Thursday, August 3rd Riverview: Saturday, August 5th Social Media Contest: Show Off Your Watermelon Love We also have a friendly social media contest for August... That means TWO chances to win! For the social media contest we invite you to post photos on Instagram while wearing Watermelon Swim apparel or with Watermelon Swim swag throughout Tampa Bay, not just at our school. To participate in the contest, all you need to do is post your photo on Instagram using the hashtag #MelonsOnTheRun. At the end of the week, we'll review all the wonderful images and choose the winning post. The winner will receive a cuddly stuffed Slyce and a $100 credit on their account! How exciting? ! get your swag on Make sure to stop by the front desk, where you'll find the... - Published: 2023-07-24 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/top-20-places-to-take-kids-in-and-around-tampa/ - Categories: Blog, News - Tags: awards, best of tampa, best places in tampa, hulafrog, kids out and about, sports education, swim lessons, winner Welcome to Tampa, where the sun shines bright, and the options for family fun are endless! If you're searching for the best things to do with kids in Tampa, you've come to the right place. From thrilling theme parks to educational museums, this vibrant city offers many activities that offer laughter and learning. And speaking of learning, did you know that Watermelon Swim has been nominated as the Top Sports Educator in Tampa? It's where kids learn to swim and build confidence and safety skills in the water. Now, let’s dive into our top 20 list! Thank you for nominating us as a top attraction in Tampa! We are incredibly humbled and proud to be bestowed with the esteemed title “The Best Place to Take Kids for Sports Education in the Tampa area. ” This recognition reaffirms our mission to grow a community of safer swimmers while reducing the risks and increasing confidence in and around water. Our dedicated team has always strived to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every child can thrive and discover their true potential. As we continue on this journey, we are grateful for the trust parents have placed in us. We remain devoted to growing a generation of confident, resilient, and passionate individuals while teaching life-saving skills. View the full publication here. Top 20 places to visit in Tampa with kids ZooTampa at Lowry Park Nothing beats a day at the zoo, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a tropical haven for family... - Published: 2023-07-07 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/july-announcements/ - Categories: Blog, Classes, Hiring, summer - Tags: benefits of swimming, client portal, community, enroll, florida drowning, focus of the month, newsletter, summer, tampa, tampa bay, water safety, why watermelon swim Hi, Watermelon Swim families! We hope you're enjoying your sun-soaked summer days and making unforgettable memories in the water. As we dive into the month of July, we are thrilled to bring you our latest blog post filled with updates, helpful tips, and fun-filled opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned swim family or new to the Watermelon Swim community, we're here to make this summer the most memorable and rewarding one yet. July Focus: Class Safety For the month of July, we are excited to announce our focus on class safety! All month long, we will be bringing attention to the importance of practicing safety measures both in and out of the water. While swim skills and techniques are crucial, we believe that safety skills often go overlooked. One aspect of class safety that we want to emphasize, is the value of active listening, waiting turns, and asking for permission to enter. These seemingly small actions play a significant role in maintaining a safe environment. By actively listening to instructions from their instructors, children can better understand and follow safety guidelines. Additionally, patiently waiting for their turn not only cultivates good manners but also ensures a structured and secure class atmosphere. Throughout this month, our dedicated instructors will also be focusing more on safety skills in their lessons, from get-the-walls, back floating and treading water. By continually reinforcing these safety skills, we empower our students to become responsible and confident swimmers. We encourage parents and guardians to discuss these concepts with... - Published: 2023-06-23 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/june-announcements/ - Categories: Blog, Classes, summer - Tags: focus of the month, swim lessons, water babies, water safety Slyce is Turning 4! Join the Celebrations All Week LongThis month, we have an exciting lineup announcements to share with you. So let's jump right in! Focus of the Month For the month of June, we have been focusing on kicking! Kicking is a fundamental aspect of swimming that improves strength, coordination, and speed in the water. During our focus on kicking, our instructors introduce a variety of techniques to become confident students' kicking abilities. From kicking with kickboards to underwater dolphin kick exercises, we provide a comprehensive curriculum that caters to swimmers of all skill levels. FREE Water Babies Class Are you an expecting mother, or know someone that is? We are always offering a FREE Water Babies class. Introduce your infants (0 to 6 months) to the benefits of water exploration and basic water skills in a fun and nurturing environment. This class allows for the wonderful opportunity to bond with your little swimmer while building their comfort and confidence in the water. Did you know? The your baby graduates from the Water Babies class, you will receive a $25 credit on your account to use towards your Parent Tot 1 class. Don't miss out on this melontastic opportunity! stay connected with our app If you have not already, don’t forget to download the Watermelon Swim App in your App Store. The Watermelon Swim App keeps you informed and connected with our swim school community. Be the first to know about news and announcements, request class changes, update... - Published: 2023-05-18 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/may-announcements/ - Categories: Blog, News Slyce is Turning 4! Join the Celebrations All Week LongSummer is here, and that means it is time to hit the pool! But before you jump in, it is essential to remember that water safety should always be a top priority. At Watermelon Swim, safety is our mission, and that is why we are dedicating an entire week to it. From real-world scenarios to life jackets, we are committed to educating our melons and their families about how to be safe in and around the water. So, let’s dive in and learn more about water safety! For the week of May 15th to May 21st, please bring your child in extra layers of clothing. During class, we will be showing our swimmers the feeling of falling in the pool with the extra weight of normal clothing. For this week only, we ask that our little melons come to class without shoes on and no goggles as well. Stop by the front desk this week to grab a Water Safety Activity Book and a Water Watcher badge to use during the next time your family is around the water. We strongly encourage our families to take just a few minutes to talk to their children about water safety, not just this week, but all year long. Never ever swim alone – Even the most skilled swimmer should never swim alone! Children should always ask for permission from an adult before jumping in the water. Look before you jump or dive –... - Published: 2023-03-27 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/get-your-child-summer-ready-with-swim-lessons/ - Categories: Blog, Classes, News, summer - Tags: enroll, summer Summer is fast approaching! Do your summer plans include a beach trip, waterpark, or even just hanging around the pool? All these activities involve something that can be extremely dangerous... water! Especially in Florida, children need to be more confident and safer in and around water. It is beyond all doubt that swimming is not just an extra-curricular activity; it is an essential life-saving skill – the only sport that can save your child’s life! Watermelon Swim offers year-round indoor swim lessons to people of all ages and abilities. Rest assured, you will be welcomed into an enjoyable environment with CPR, First Aid, Water Safety, Special Abilities and Lifeguard certified instructors. We encourage signing up as soon as possible to beat the summer rush and avoid any waitlists. Plenty of spots are available right now for group and private lessons. Choose from a wide selection of class times that best fits your schedule. Enroll TODAY on our website. - Published: 2023-03-21 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/micha-seal-influential-female-leader-in-the-greater-tampa-bay-area/ - Categories: Blog, News - Tags: ceo, leader, leadership, micha, micha seal, owner, seal, tampa, tampa bay, watermelon swim With 291 nominations, 51 remarkable women in the Tampa community became finalists in the 2023 Tampa Bay Business Women Awards Program earlier this year. Amongst those women is Micha Seal, the influential CEO and President of Watermelon Swim. Every year, TBBW honors female leaders in Tampa Bay who are moral exemplars – women who show passion in their leadership roles for the next generation of female leaders. On April 21st, a panel of judges will select one of the fifty-one finalists as the 2023 Business Woman of the year. The judging panel for this year’s award program will include Pam Iorio, former Mayor of Tampa, and former CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters America; Danny Persaud, chief executive officer of MidFlorida Armored, Ed Ellsasser, CEO of PrimeGroup Insurance; and Robert Hessel, CEO of Source 1 Solutions. Micha Seal is the CEO and President of Watermelon Swim, a year-round, indoor, learn-to-swim business that teaches swimming, water safety, and survival for all ages and abilities. Instructors and staff of the local business are enthusiastic and have multiple certifications, such as CPR, First Aid, and Water Safety Instructor. Their mission is to grow a community full of safer swimmers and reduce the risks while increasing confidence in and around water. Watermelon Swim was previously awarded the Tampa Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award in 2019. In August 2021, Micha Seal took the leap of faith and underwent a company rebrand, pivoting away from a strong brand with name recognition in... - Published: 2023-03-10 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/march-newsletter/ - Categories: Blog, Events, News - Tags: march, newsletter, refer a friend This month is full of many exciting events! First and foremost, we would like to wish everyone a fun and safe spring break! Please don’t forget to practice Water Safety while enjoying your water activities. Here are a few helpful Water Safety tips: Always obey the pool rules. Wear life jackets as needed. Never swim alone, ALWAYS swim with at least one buddy. Protect your little ones from reaching nearby water. It is imperative to have a safety fence around pools and equip doors that lead to water with locks and alarms. Always have a “Water Watcher. ” This is a designated person who is actively supervising swimmers. If you are the “Water Watcher,” avoid all distractions – especially cell phones – and do not leave the waterside until another Water Watcher has taken over. We are so happy to share with you the guidelines for this month’s contest: “March Melon Madness. ” If you do not have a Watermelon Swim magnet on your car just yet, we strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible! Free magnets are available at each location's front desk. Each week, we will randomly select families’ cars in our parking lot, that represent their favorite swim school, Watermelon Swim. If your car is selected, you will be placed into a drawing for a chance to WIN $100 credit to your account. The best part about this contest is that there will be a winner at every location... every week! That’s right, SIXTEEN... - Published: 2023-02-02 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/tampa-bay-business-women-award-finalist/ - Categories: Blog, News - Tags: award, tampa The Tampa Bay Business & Wealth magazine each year hosts an award to recognize distinguished women leaders dedicated to their industry and community. This includes business and professional success, community involvement, and mentorship. We are excited to announce our fearless leader, Micha Seal, is a finalist for Tampa Bay Business Women Education! Read more here. - Published: 2023-02-01 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/february-announcements/ - Categories: Blog, News Happy February 1st! We are excited to share our theme for the month is "share the love". We have some exciting contests for our team and clients to WIN all month long. You have the chance to win fun swag, $25 credit to your Watermelon Swim account for you and a friend, and even a gift basket with a $200 credit to your Watermelon Swim account! ! Now is the time to share your review/photos online and refer your friends. Did you know? We have spots open for all entry level classes at all locations, and now is the perfect time to get your spot before we fill up in the spring. Here are a few reminders for the month: February Valentine’s Card Share the love! We invite our swimmers to bring Valentine's cards for their favorite Team Melon member! All of our team will have their decorated boxes located in the lobby for your children to place their cards inside. It is an excellent way to show your seedlings’ instructor some love! Upcoming - March Magnet Week In March, we do our March Magnet Week! At the front desk, you can grab a magnet and place it on your car. The following week, the managers will select a car randomly from our parking lot with a magnet on it. The vehicle owner will receive a $25 credit on their account just for showing their support for Watermelon Swim! Want to get a fun and cute photo of your child... - Published: 2023-01-05 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/upper-levels-and-adults-client-announcement/ - Categories: Blog, Classes, News Happy New Year Watermelon Swim Families, Over the past two years, we have seen demand for our lessons increase dramatically. To reduce the length of our waitlists and increase class availability, we are looking closely at our pools to ensure we are optimizing pool space and teaching time. Our goal is to continue to provide extraordinary results and exceptional lesson quality. As part of these efforts, Watermelon Swim is excited to restructure our upper level program to better serve the needs of our most accomplished swimmers! Beginning in February, we will move all upper level classes (levels 7, 8, and 9) to a dedicated instruction time. During this time frame, only upper levels will be taught in our pools. This will increase the amount of pool space allotted to these levels to allow them to swim more distance per class and build endurance. A dedicated swim time will also minimize distraction for students, teachers, and management, allowing more focus on technique and developing swimmers for future competition. If you currently have a student swimming in a level 7, 8, or 9, we will be contacting you directly to move your student to the upper level program day that works best for your family. Additionally, we are excited to restructure our adult classes to better serve the needs of our adult swimmers! We are moving our adult classes to a designated time which will allow space for adult students of all levels to learn without the distraction of younger swimmers. If... - Published: 2022-12-28 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/ringing-in-the-new-year/ - Categories: Blog, News Ringing in the New Year can also mean your little ones ringing the bell after they complete a level here at Watermelon Swim! Even though temperatures are dropping outside, our state-of-the-art indoor pool remains chill free! As we start the new year, we want to remind and inform parents of some of our events coming up and some helpful tips to have the best melontastic experience at Watermelon Swim! Make sure to read the updated policy and procedure for 2023 before checking in for your class. You can review them by logging into your Watermelon Swim account online or through our Watermelon Swim app, downloadable from the app/ play store. Accepting the policy and procedures will make checking into class a breeze. Remember to visit the front desk and check into class with the iPads. To check-in, put in your phone number that is associated with your Watermelon Swim account. Scroll down, hit check-in, and then click done. How do I access my Watermelon Swim account? Visit watermelonswim. com, click current client, select your swim location, and log in with the email on your account. With your client portal, you have access to all things Watermelon! Through your client portal, you can access your billing, child's progress, attendance, and make-up tokens, view your QR code, and view or change classes. As January ends, we have events coming around the corner for you and your children to enjoy! February Valentine’s Card Share the love! We invite our swimmers to bring a... - Published: 2022-12-15 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/2023-calendar/ - Categories: Blog, Events, News Here is our 2023 calendar and list of events, closures, and special dates throughout the year. In January, we will have printed copies at each location if you would like a printed copy to hang at home. Another way to stay up-to-date is to download the Watermelon Swim app. You will receive news posts, be able to view your classes and billing information, makeup tokens, request classes, and more! Search the app store today for Watermelon Swim. 2023 Calendar PDF2023 Event List PDF - Published: 2022-11-19 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/2022-giving-tree-list/ - Categories: Blog, Events - Tags: christmas, community, events, give back, giving tree, holiday Watermelon Swim gives back to local families in need by helping bring a little Christmas cheer this year. If you are a family in need you can sign up using our online form and our team will reach out to verify the information and let you know if you are confirmed on the list. If you know a family in need you can sign them up or share this link with them. Our team, clients and community all participate in purchasing the gifts and our team works hard to get everything ready so parents have the gifts prior to Christmas. Your support helps these families have the best Christmas possible! This year we are offering two options to purchase gifts: Option 1: • Purchase from our Amazon Wish List • Have the unwrapped items shipped to our Wesley Chapel location by Dec 15th • The gifts will be sorted for families to pick up on December 16th Option 2: • Take an ornament from our tree available at each location • Drop off the new, unwrapped gift by Dec 15th with the ornament attached, or write the families number on each item • The gifts will be sorted for families to pick up on December 16th Family sign up form - Published: 2022-11-08 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/november-news/ - Categories: New Uncategorized We hope everyone had a melontasic pumpkin season and enjoyed swimming with pumpkins! This month we have a few items to communicate. FOOD DRIVE - November 1-17 we are hosting a food drive at each of our locations and our goal is to fill 2 of the black bins at each location to donate to Feeding Families Tampa Bay, which also sets up food banks at our local schools. All of the nonperishable food items go right back to our local community! Please bring in your donations by Thursday, November 17th. Also, our locations are having a competition which location can collect the most so be sure to support your favorite team member. GIVING TREE APPLICATION - We need your help! We are looking for families in need in our local community. We want to support them during the holiday season by providing Christmas gifts. If you or someone you know is struggling and truly in need, you can apply for our program by filling out the application here. GIVING TREE - We will have a tree in the lobby at each location from November 21 - December 15 with paper ornaments on it. Each ornament will have a family number and gift requested. We ask that our team and families help give back to our community by taking an ornament, purchasing the requested gift item, and bring back to the location with the ornament attached. We will sort gifts and give them to the families on Friday, December 16th,... - Published: 2022-10-28 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/merry-melon-giving-tree-2022/ - Categories: Blog, Events - Tags: christmas, community, events, give back, giving tree, holiday Watermelon Swim gives back to local families in need by helping bring a little Christmas cheer each year. If you or a family you know are in need for Christmas this year, you can apply for our Giving Tree program using the link below. We will select up to 60 families in our community to help provide a full Christmas. Family sign up form - Published: 2022-09-07 - Modified: 2024-11-13 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/annual-pumpkin-patch-and-fall-festival-2022/ - Categories: Blog, Events, News - Tags: fall festival, pumpkin patch, tampa pumpkin patch Slyce is Turning 4! Join the Celebrations All Week LongIt's pumpkin season, Tampa Bay – and our annual Pumpkin Patch will open Saturday, October 8th. Pick your perfect pumpkin at any of our 4 locations with Lutz and South Tampa featuring a large outdoor patch and Wesley Chapel and Riverview having a cute little indoor set up. All of our locations have the cutest fall photo spots around so bring your little ones and family all dress in your fall spirit! Admission is FREE and open to the public. Team Melon would also like to invite you to our FREE Fall Festival on Saturday, October 15th from 4-7pm at both our Lutz and South Tampa locations. It is more not-so-spooky fun than ever with trunk-or-treating, a costume parade, plenty of fall games with prizes, the cutest fall photo spot, and more, it is the perfect way to get your whole family into the fall spirit. Check out our Facebook page for sneak peeks and be sure to tag us in your fall/pumpkin patch photos! Loading the next set of gallery items... Load More - Published: 2022-07-07 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/sign-up-your-school-for-our-free-water-safety-education-presentation/ - Categories: Blog, News - Tags: water safety Are you looking to provide water safety education to your students or child group? Watermelon Swim offers a FREE Water Safety Education presentation year-round! More information and online booking are now available on our website, http://watermelonswim. com/water-safety/ - Published: 2022-05-17 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/the-color-of-your-childs-swimsuit-could-save-their-life/ - Categories: Blog, Educational, News - Tags: benefits of swimming, drowning, parenting, statistics, swimsuit color, water safety Just as dressing your child in vibrant colors makes them easier to spot in a crowd, the same goes for underwater. May is National Water Safety Month and water is around us all year in Florida, so it is important to know the risks and what small steps can help protect your child. ALIVE Solutions Inc. conducted a study to see how colors impacted visibility in the water. They took swimsuits of different colors and submerged them in both a pool and lake to test which colors were easiest to spot underwater. In the lake (photo left), they placed the swimsuits in 18 inches of water from different perspectives including the position of a parent sitting on the dock. You can see the best visibility colors are neon yellow, neon green, and neon orange. Keep in mind environmental factors could change the impact as well, such as water clarity, lighting, current, and the weather in general. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4. It is quick, silent, and can happen to anyone, even good swimmers. For the pool, ALIVE Solutions Inc. tested visibility in both still and moving water and found that bright, contrasting colors have the most visibility. White and light blue had the worst visibility, and neon pink and neon orange stood out the best against the blue water. Darker colors do show up on a light pool bottom, however, they are often overlooked as a pile of leaves, dirt, or a shadow research... - Published: 2022-05-16 - Modified: 2022-06-10 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/water-safety-week/ - Categories: Blog, Classes, News - Tags: water safety, water safety week No measure can ever guarantee that children are safe in, on, and around water. It is only human for adults to sometimes lapse in their supervision of children in home or while out and about. Children can and do find ways over fences, and even those who had swimming lessons can still drown. For this reason, the SAFER swimming message promotes the application of various layers to protect children from drowning. If one layer "fails" then there is another behind it that may save their life. Layers of protection include: swimming skills adult supervision fences and gates emergency plan reduce the risk Flordia leads the country in drowning deaths of children ages 1-4 Be sure to talk throughout the year about water safety with your child. Show them where to find the pool rules, what they are, and how to follow them. Remind them that no child should ever swim alone, they always need an adult and to ask permission from the adult before going in. Sometimes there are things in the water like a stick, rock, or another person, so always look before they jump or dive. If your child ever sees someone that needs help, they should help but do not jump in. Show them things they can throw in the pool to help someone, they should yell for help or call 911. We should all wear a life jacket in a boat, canoe, or kayak and be sure to ask for permission before taking off. Boys are... - Published: 2022-02-22 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/hiring-open-house-event-riverview/ - Categories: Blog, Events, Hiring - Tags: hiring, jobs, riverview Watermelon Swim is the premier swim school of Tampa Bay with a focus on teaching swim survival skills. Our locations are growing, so we are always hiring great candidates! We have a diverse team that includes part-time students, parents of young children, those looking for a new career path, and even energetic grandparents that love working with children. Here you will find a fun environment that welcomes everyone, encourages flip-flops, singing, having fun, and occasionally making Tik Tok videos. Bring your passion, energy, and positive attitude to join Team Melon! Benefits include: Great pay $14-16/hr Set schedule Swim background helpful but not required Ongoing training provided Opportunities to pick up shifts for extra income PTO Employee discounts Free swim lessons for yourself and your family Team bonding activities such as boat days, bowling, scalloping Snacks to fuel up during your shift Opportunities for advancement Making a difference in our community Requirements: Must have reliable transportation Passionate about working with children Must be 16 years or older Must be available minimum 1 evening and 1 weekend day shift Ability to be in the pool for up to 5 hours - Published: 2022-02-22 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/how-to-help-reduce-the-risk-of-drowning/ - Categories: Blog, Educational - Tags: benefits of swimming, drowning, heated, statistics, water safety Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4, but through water safety education we can help to prevent drownings. Some of the most important parts of water safety are Never swim alone: Always make sure that children have an adult at the pool with them supervising. If there is more than one adult, the adults should decide who the water watcher should be, this person is then responsible for watching all children in the pool and making sure they are following pool rules. Look before you jump or dive: If there’s anything that’s in the way; a person, a pool toy, it’s too shallow, a rock if you're at a beach or river, if there’s a flag up at the beach indicating a strong current: DO NOT GO. Make sure children know what to look for before jumping or diving into the water with an adult there. Help but do not jump in: If you see someone struggling in the water THROW DON’T GO. Look for any type of flotation device such as a noodle. Wear a life jacket: If you are ever far from shore, in deep water, or on a boat you should wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone knows how to put on a life jacket, when it is safe to take it off, and who can assist children with life jackets. Children should put lifejackets on before going on the dock and not remove until off the dock, back on land. A... - Published: 2022-02-14 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/client-review/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: benefits of swimming, drowning, heated, statistics, warm, water safety, why watermelon swim, winter We love hearing from our parents and wanted to share this email we received. I take my son swimming on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Lutz. I wanted to write about Miss Alyssa and say what a great swim instructor she is. She is so patient with Charlie (and all the kids) that it really blows my mind. I have just one 4-year old that is quite "high energy" and I am sure that managing 3 or 4 of them while ALSO teaching them to swim is quite a phenomenal feat. Charlie has not only BLOWN my mind in his swimming progress but has developed a love of swimming thanks to Miss Alyssa and all of your staff there. The teachers that he had prior to leveling up to his current level were all amazing too so I don't want to leave them out either although I admit, I can't remember all of their names. I'm originally from Hawaii, another place where swimming is absolutely essential for all water activities but also staying alive. My niece almost died a few years ago and had to be resuscitated when I stranger at a hotel pool found her at the bottom of a water slide, so it is not lost on me what an essential skill this is for children to have. I am beyond grateful for the team you have nurtured at Watermelon swim school. I wanted to give Miss Alyssa a cash tip as a thank you for her incredible kindness... - Published: 2022-01-20 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/benefits-of-swimming-year-round/ - Categories: Blog, Educational - Tags: benefits of swimming, drowning, heated, statistics, warm, water safety, why watermelon swim, winter Dive into fun all year round with Watermelon Swim! Swimming isn't just a splash-tastic way to cool off—it's a crucial life-saving skill that flourishes with consistent practice. At Watermelon Swim, we turn year-round lessons into an exhilarating adventure, emphasizing water safety and boosting your child's overall growth and well-being. Imagine your little swimmer reducing their risk of drowning by a whopping 88% just by enjoying year-round swim sessions. Yes, it's that impactful! Year-round swimming builds endurance, stamina, and muscle memory Swimming is the ultimate playdate with perks. It's a heart-pumping workout that boosts endurance and stamina so much that 30 minutes in the pool equals 45 on land, thanks to the magic of water resistance. But there's more! Swimming is like a superfood for the brain. It fine-tunes coordination and breath control, sharpening young minds. Studies from Griffith University show early swimmers hit cognitive milestones up to 10 months sooner. So, we're not just making waves—we're making brain waves! Year-round swimming encourages repetition and consistency Consistency is the cornerstone of learning any skill, and thankfully, children thrive on repetition and consistency. Children aren’t expected to learn algebra overnight. These mathematical skills come from years of consistent and repetitive practice. This same consistent and repetitive practice is necessary for swimming, as consistency and repetition allow a technique or skill to turn into a reflex. At Watermelon Swim, we want the water safety skills and techniques we impart to your children to become second nature. Allowing your child to continue swimming year-round... - Published: 2022-01-11 - Modified: 2025-02-10 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/childhood-drownings-increase-in-florida/ - Categories: Blog, Educational - Tags: drowning, florida drowning, statistics, water safety Drownings in Florida have increased substantially with 98 children drowning in 2021, and children 3 and under represent 66% of those fatalities. The Florida Department of Children and Families statewide results show the importance of water safety education not only to our children but to all caregivers, in our homes, while on vacation, and the people we let watch our children. When reviewing the reports many of the instances happen when a child gets out of the home undetected and gained access to a body of water. A child can drown in as little as 2 inches of water. Be an advocate for barriers and put layers of protection and place guards around water access such as fencing, door chimes, motion detection, alarms, etc. Enroll your child in formal swim lessons as this has been proven to decrease chances of drowning by 88%. Learn about the proper ways to be a "water watcher" - watch children in the pool, never walk away and leave them unattended, regularly scan the bottom of the pool, avoid poolside chat, no phones or distractions. Drowning is preventable with constant supervision and simple steps to save lives. Every caregiver needs to know that it can happen to anyone and how to put a ring of safety around our children. supervision barriers (pool fences, chimes, alarms) swim lessons cpr and first aid training water safety education - Published: 2021-12-30 - Modified: 2025-02-11 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/exciting-new-changes-to-ring-in-the-new-year/ - Categories: Announcements, Blog - Tags: client portal, make-up tokens, photo booth, policies and procedures, pricing Watermelon Swim is excited to announce changes to ring in the new year! For 2022, we are working to make the Watermelon Swim experience more customer-focused, with new tools on our Client Portal and changes to our policies and procedures to improve our customer experience. A link to our updated policies and procedures will be sent to all clients on Monday, January 3, 2022. Be sure to thoroughly read and accept the updated policies and procedures, as many of our customer-focused changes are reflected there. Over the next couple of weeks, we will send more information about each of the changes, and you can always visit the Front Desk if you have any questions. 2022 POLICIES & PROCEDURES please read thoroughly before signing Updated Watermelon Swim Policies & Procedures will be sent to all families on January 3, 2022 through a Client Portal email link. Please be sure to review and agree to the 2022 Policies & Procedures, including auto debit authorization, revised cancellation policy, revised make-up policy, revised check-in policy, and photo release for your students, no later than January 14, 2022. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Call Center or visit the Front Desk. MAKE-UP TOKENS you spoke, we listened We understand life happens and we want to help make it a little easier for your family to prioritize your commitments. Beginning in January 2022, each actively enrolled student will automatically receive 1 make-up token per quarter, per enrollment (meaning if your swimmer is... - Published: 2021-12-03 - Modified: 2021-12-03 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/making-a-splash/ - Categories: Blog When we began our journey to rebrand, we knew we had to find the right partner to help us grow through all the challenges ahead. The team at PPK felt like the right fit from the beginning and we are very happy with the final results. Take a look at some of the projects they helped us accomplish to now be growing as Watermelon Swim! Read article - Published: 2021-11-29 - Modified: 2021-12-30 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/2022-watermelon-swim-calendar/ - Categories: Blog, News - Tags: 2022, calendar View our calendar below to see 2022 closures, events, spirit weeks, and more! Link to PDF: 2022 Calendar WMS - Published: 2021-11-16 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/give-the-most-meaningful-and-safer-present-a-gift-certificate-for-swimming-classes/ - Categories: Blog ‘Tis the season for family, gifts, and water safety! Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for 1-4-year-olds, so this holiday season gives the most meaningful and safer present: a gift certificate for swimming classes. And to complement your present, we’re offering the *Watermelon Swim Basket. Packed with all the watermelon essentials so the children are ready to start watering their swim skills. Purchase gift certificates at any of our four locations, over the phone, or on our website by logging into our client portal or using the links below. To order a gift basket visit our website. Call 813. 229. 7946 with any questions. Select the location your swimmer will attend lessons: Lutz | South Tampa | Wesley Chapel | Riverview - Published: 2021-11-11 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/merry-melon-giving-tree/ - Categories: Blog, Events - Tags: christmas, community, events, give back, giving tree, holiday Watermelon Swim gives back to local families in need by helping bring a little Christmas cheer this year. If you are a family in need you can sign up using our online form and our team will reach out to verify the information and let you know if you are confirmed on the list. If you know a family in need you can sign them up or share this link with them. Our team, clients and community all participate in purchasing the gifts and our team works hard to get everything ready so parents have the gifts prior to Christmas. Your support helps these families have the best Christmas possible! This year we are offering two options to purchase gifts: Option 1: • Purchase from our Amazon Wish List • Have the unwrapped items shipped to our Wesley Chapel location by Dec 16 • The gifts will be sorted for families in time for Christmas Option 2: • Take an ornament from our tree available at each location from November 22 to December 16 • Drop off the new, unwrapped gift by Dec 16 with the ornament attached or write the families number on each item • The gifts will be sorted and delivered to the families in time for Christmas Family sign up form - Published: 2021-10-02 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/halloween-spirit-week/ - Categories: Blog, Events Have some extra spooooky fun Oct 25-31 by wearing your Halloween costume to swim lessons! We are excited to see all of our little swimmers and Team Melon all dressed up. Happy Halloween. - Published: 2021-09-20 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/water-safety-pumpkin-exploration/ - Categories: Blog, Events - Tags: preschool, pumpkin patch Are you looking for some pumpkin fun for your preschool group, mom's group, childcare center, or homeschool group? Our annual pumpkin patch will open October 1st and we will once again be hosting our Water Safety Pumpkin Exploration presentations at all 4 of our locations. Email patrick. beatty@watermelonswim. com to schedule your presentation. We also have the cutest photo spot so be sure to have the little ones dress up in their fall best to snap some cute photos. Do not forget to tag us in your photos! Facebook - @watermelonswimflorida | Instagram - @watermelonswimfl TikTok - @watermelonswim come explore our pumpkin patch, learn about pumpkins, sink or float experiment and story time. - Published: 2021-09-08 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/annual-pumpkin-patch-and-fall-festival/ - Categories: Blog, Events, News - Tags: fall festival, pumpkin patch It's watermelon season, Tampa Bay – and our annual Pumpkin Patch will open Friday, October 1st. Pick your perfect pumpkin at any of our 4 locations with Lutz and South Tampa featuring a large outdoor patch and Wesley Chapel and Riverview having a cute little indoor set up. All of our locations have the cutest fall photo spots around so bring your little ones and family all dress in your fall spirit! Admission is FREE and open to the public. Team Melon would also like to invite you to our FREE Fall Festival on Saturday, October 16th from 4-7pm at both our Lutz and South Tampa locations. It is more not-so-spooky fun than ever with trunk-or-treating, a costume parade, plenty of fall games with prizes, the cutest fall photo spot, and more, it is the perfect way to get your whole family into the fall spirit. Check out our Facebook page for sneak peeks and be sure to tag us in your fall/pumpkin patch photos! - Published: 2021-09-07 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/something-fun-has-sprouted/ - Categories: Blog, News We have grown into Watermelon Swim! We are keeping the current experience, reputation, and values but adding a fresh and exciting brand twist. As always, our first and most important mission is water safety. We teach swimming, safety, and survival in all of our classes, and water safety education is an integral part of our program. Watermelon Swim is committed to growing a community of safer swimmers while reducing the risks and increasing confidence in and around water. Our dedicated, hard-working, highly trained, and child-approved team will continue to be a part of Watermelon Swim. Your child’s class day, time, teacher, and level will not be changing. You will get to enjoy a fresh new look to our year-round, indoor locations; updated technology to better track your child’s progress and manage your swim school account; updated policies and procedures to further our extraordinary customer service; a bright and colorful logo; and new branded retail to get your family in the Watermelon Swim groove. Seal Swim School’s various locations have always been under different ownership. The different owners have different visions. To move forward with our vision we have rebranded to Watermelon Swim. With this new brand, Micha Seal wanted something unique and fun with a fresh and exciting twist while maintaining the core values of the original brand. Watermelons are mostly water, float, and grow year-round just like our Watermelon Swim locations. - Published: 2021-09-02 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/labor-day-closure/ - Categories: Blog Good Evening Watermelon Families, Just a friendly reminder that we will be closed Friday, September 3 through Monday, September 6 for the Labor Day holiday. Families who swim on these days were pro-rated for their September 2021 tuition. If you have any further questions, please feel free to give us a call. Have a safe and swim-tastic holiday weekend! We will reopen on Tuesday, September 7th at 3pm; we be closed the morning of Tuesday, September 7 for a team training. Thanks for swimming with us! You’re one in a melon! - Published: 2021-06-02 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/is-my-baby-too-young-to-swim/ - Categories: Blog, Educational As long as your baby’s umbilical cord has fallen off, NO! Watermelon Swim offers a FREE Water Babies class for infants 0-5 months old. Our Water Babies class offers a fun and relaxed environment in which you and your baby can explore the water. This non-submersion class focuses on the bond between parent and child while furthering the development of the whole child, both physically and mentally. How will early, year-round swim lessons benefit my baby? • Starting swim lessons early allows infants to develop better balance, movement, and grasping techniques • Children who participate in swim lessons from infancy grow to be much stronger and more coordinated than their non-swimming counterparts • Children who engage in early, year-round swim lessons do better academically • Early swim lessons enhance strength and coordination • Early, year-round swim lessons allow children to develop greater self-discipline, problem-solving skills, independence, and a desire to succeed • Children who swim from infancy grow to be much more comfortable in social situations Giving your children these gifts for life has never been easier! The Water Babies tuition is free of charge, so all you will need to pay is a registration fee. Enroll NOW on our website! - Published: 2021-06-02 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: http://watermelonswim.com/safety-at-watermelon-swim/ - Categories: Blog Finding entertaining and enriching activities for your little ones can be a splashy challenge, especially if they're toddlers or preschoolers. But have you considered swimming lessons? Here in Tampa, where pools are as common as palm trees, and the beach is just a hop, skip, and splash away, learning to swim is not just fun—it’s a must! At Watermelon Swim, we prioritize safety and blend swim techniques with heaps of fun, nurturing a lifelong love for the water. As Water Safety Week approaches, let’s explore why starting swim lessons early is essential. The risks are real Did you know drowning is the second leading cause of death for kids aged 1 to 14? In Florida, we face a particularly high risk, losing enough young lives each year to fill three to four preschool classrooms. But don’t worry, Watermelon Swim is here to change that tide with our indoor swim lessons, where fun meets life-saving skills through playful learning. Research shows kids learn best while they’re having fun, and that’s our specialty! Make a splash with safety Watermelon Swim isn’t just about swimming; we’re about making every water encounter safer. We offer dynamic water safety presentations for local schools and parent groups, spreading the word about Slyce’s Seeds of Safety. Our strategy? A blend of swim lessons, vigilant supervision, secure pool barriers, and essential CPR training are all designed to keep our little swimmers safer. A staggering 88% reduction in drowning risk comes with formal swim lessons, proving that repetition, year-round...