Diving In: How Aquatics Power Learning, Leadership, and Life at TFS

Here at TFS, swimming is a part of who we are, what we do, and who we will become.  In a single day, fourth graders learn to swim or refine their skills; students train to become lifeguards; P.E. classes battle it out in water polo; and our state-champion swim team dives in to prepare for competition. This pool is more than a space – it brings us together, ignites passions, builds courage, and instills confidence that takes hold.

See more pictures of all the activity here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCHnCB.

Once a week, our fourth and fifth-graders participate in swim classes based on the American Red Cross Learn-To-Swim program. These lessons teach students the essentials of swimming while laying the groundwork for exciting aquatic activities, including water polo, synchronized swimming, and even competitive swimming in middle and upper school. 

Students have already noticed the benefits. “I’ve learned the starting position in the freestyle,” says Raylan Jones, while JT Horn shares, “I’ve been on swim teams my whole life. I like just getting to swim.” For Emory Echols, swimming is about freedom: “I just like being in the water. I feel so free when I’m in the water. When I go under, it’s like I am flying, like I’m floating in the air. It’s like defying gravity.”

The program teaches perseverance and technique. Genesis Zavala explains, “I’ve gotten better, learning to work through being tired.” Rylee Long highlights the supportive environment: “There are lifeguards. I feel safe.”

Students master skills that build confidence and safety awareness. “I learned how to backfloat, jellyfish floats, and treading,” one student shares. “I feel like I can balance in the water. I feel more confident. I think to myself, I can do this; I can persevere.”

In addition, this month, middle school PE classes participate in a junior lifeguarding program, and upper school outdoor education classes learned practical survival skills with aquatics class instructor Sara Roberts. “We practiced resourcefulness, teamwork, and problem-solving. Teams imagined how to respond to an emergency situation using only the items salvaged at their campsite,” said Roberts. “Teams crafted rafts to cross ‘dangerous waters’ using items like life jackets, paddles, plastic bags, and ropes to get each team member to safety on their makeshift rafts. 

Senior Dalton Blackwell learned that it is possible to make a flotation device out of anything. “It doesn’t matter how crude it is; if it can float, it can keep you alive.”

Throughout the semester, Coach Stockel’s and Coach Menard’s strength and conditioning classes get aquatic workouts with the Natatorium staff. Students used specialized fitness equipment, including aquatic barbells, ankle fins, swing trainers, and more.