About Children of the Sea

A Water World Where The Pool Is Your Classroom And Learning Is Fun!

 

Children of the Sea, or Keiki Kai in Hawaiian, was founded in the early eighties by owner, Lynne Zavrski. After years of experience within aquatics, Lynne decided to start her own school. In 1982, Lynne founded Keiki Kai, teaching private lessons in her backyard and then from 1982 to 1990, Lynne also taught swimming in city and county pools in and around Oahu. It was there that she began to develop her individually paced teaching philosophy that is the Water Safe Program of Children of the Sea today. In 1996, Lynne brought her knowledge and methods to the mainland. It was here in Portland that she founded and built our state-of-the art facility. Our approach to teaching has been designed to build awareness and self-confidence in the water.

 

Our staff takes pride in our uniquely innovative water-safe program. The basic premise of our philosophy is that children progress at their own level of learning and readiness. We believe that each child can learn to love and respect the water. Through stimulation, positive reinforcement, patience and practice, our students learn new skills while having fun. Our professional staff takes pride in turning focus from basic instinctive responses into life saving water skills.

 

Our highly qualified instructors are trained to emphasize, with gentle and patient encouragement, the latest aquatic techniques. Our facility has been designed to meet the needs of every student. The innovative design of our facility ensures ultimate enjoyment for all. Our entire staff is CPR certified for the Professional Rescuer, as well as trained in accordance with the USSSA code of ethics and the Children Of the Sea Water Safe Program.

 

 

Staff

Lynne

I am Lynne Zavrski, owner and director of Children of the Sea. Let me share a little with you about my swim teaching credentials. I moved to Hawaii in 1975, where I was the first female lifeguard on the beach of Waikiki. I was proud to have broken ground for females to join the ranks. I made several life threatening rescues and received a citation from the major of Fasi.

 

I participated in triathlons, Century bike rides, and the Waikiki Rough Water Swim. I volunteered at Sea Life Park for eight years, where I helped train dolphins and sea lions. I also conducted the Education Department in lectures for school age children. I taught swimming at city and county pools from 1978 to 1981.

 

In 1982, I started Keiki Kai (which means Children of the Sea in Hawaiian) where I taught private lessons from my home. It was there that I began to develop the individual-paced teaching philosophy of what is today’s Children of the Sea Water Safe Program. I opened Children of the Sea in July 1996 in Portland, Oregon. I am an active member of the United States Swim Association. My staff and I would love to introduce your child to the joys of swimming and the security of water safety.

 

David

Coming soon!

 

Tiffany

Hello Swimmers! My name is Tiffany and I am a pool manager at COTS. I grew up in sunny California surfing the excellent waves on the west side of Santa Cruz. When I wasn’t in the Jr. Life guard program on the beach, I was in the water encouraging others to join me on the waves. I moved to Oregon about 10 years ago looking for a new adventure. I lived in Seaside, Oregon for a few years then moved to Portland with my family. I walked into Children of the Sea looking for a job and found my second home.

 

I have been a part of this team for 6 years and I currently manage a staff of amazing instructors. I enjoy anything in the water, spending time with my family and friends, and to be as loud and silly as I can be. See you in the water.

 

AJ

My name is Teacher AJ and I am one of the pool managers at Children of the Sea. I have been making splashes in the pool since the summer of 2005. I am originally from Massachusetts and moved to Portland after graduating from the University of Vermont in ’05.

 

Working at COTS is perfect for me because I love to swim and teach kids of all ages. Away from the pool I enjoy camping, hiking, biking and running, along with spending time with my friends and my dog, Tucker. See you in the pool!

 

Sarah

Hello! My name is Sarah and I am the front desk manager. I am going on my 8th year here at Children of the Sea! I was on a swim team for 10 years and taught swim lessons for 10 years (6 at COTS) before switching to a front desk position. I have enjoyed swimming with the parent/baby classes and seeing them graduate 6 years later.

 

Since starting work here, I have graduated from PSU (’06), gotten married (’08), and started a family (’09). My daughter, Kaylee, swims like a fish and I can’t wait to see her go through the Children of the Sea program. If you ever have any questions, stop by the front desk and come see me!

 

Courtney

Hi everyone! My name is Courtney and I work at the Front Desk here at Children of the Sea. I am currently finishing my Bachelor’s Degree from Portland State. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, going to movies, reading books, and playing with my beagle, Ariel. I love working here and look forward to meeting all of you!

 

Wendy

Hi Swimmers! My name is Wendy. Besides being a swimming instructor since 1999, I am a mom and grandma, a retired professional golfer, a musician, a student, a preschool teacher, an astronomer, a radiographer, an athlete, a bowler, a camper, and many more things. I have lived in California, Oregon and Washington. My favorite thing of all time is the Big Dipper. I started teaching at COTS in 2005, and I love it so much that I might stay here until I retire. The warm water soothes my body, the children’s hugs touch my heart, and the parents and staff are some of my best friends. It just doesn't get any better than that!

 

Hollie

Coming soon!

 

Georgia

Coming soon!

 

Amy

Coming soon!

 

Erica

I am from Eastern Oregon where the cold is the coldest and the heat is the hottest. I have been teaching for almost 10 years now, but I have swam my whole life. When I am not working, I like to spend time with my daughter and m friends. I love staff parties! I love swimming, going to the mall, and playing Mario games on my Wii.

   

Kayla

Hi, my name is Kayla and I work at the Front Desk. I am about to attend PSU to finish my degree in computer science. I really enjoy working here at the front desk, but on my days off I enjoy bowling, golfing, and watching movies with my dog, Marley. Laughing is one of my favorites, so come up and tell me a joke.

 

Stephanie

Coming soon!

 

Kendra

My name is Kendra. I have always loved the water and have been active in it for many years. While in high school I participated in water polo, swim team and lacrosse and was team captain in each. During swim team my favorite stroke was backstroke and freestyle. I am a very open person and I always try to make people smile. I have always loved working with children of all ages and I plan to work with children for many more years.

 

Krissy

My name is Krissy. I moved to the United States from Canada not too long ago and I love it here. Swimming has been a part of my life since I was 4-months-old. I was on a swim team and now teach kids to swim. When I am not in the pool you can usually find me at home with my husband and my cat working on a quilt or reading my new favorite book.

 

Linnea

My name is Linnea and I am currently taking classes at PCC and hoping to become an elementary or special education teacher. I love spending time outside with my two dogs and playing volleyball. I work at the front desk at Children of the Sea and love seeing the kids everyday! And when I was little I took swim lessons at COTS with my sisters!

 

Casey

My name is Casey. I am from Denver, Colorado, and I’ve been working in aquatics since I was 12-years-old. I worked as a lifeguard and enjoy teaching all ages. I am a mother of the cutest little guy named Elijah. He is 12-months-old and is currently in swim lessons with my husband of 4 years, Tommy. I moved here from Colorado where I grew up. I love it here and plan to stay awhile.

 

Jen

My name is Jen. I grew up in Washington swimming and playing water polo. I graduated from Pacific University where I majored in exercise science. I hope to become an occupational therapist one day. I also coached for the local high school. In my free time, I enjoy Zumba classes, photography, and touring Oregon’s beautiful wine country. I am and always will be a fish at heart and I am very excited to be part of the COTS team.

 

Nicole

Hafa Adai! I’m Nicole. I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Saipan in the Mariana Islands. I moved to Portland 4 years ago to attend PSU where I’m studying Psychology. I’ve been swimming since I was 10-years-old. From 15 to 17, I swam with the CNMI National Team. It was a great experience and took me to competitions all over Asia and the Pacific! I love swimming and am so happy to be a part of the COTS team!

 

Heidi

Hi! My name is Heidi, and I recently moved here from Ohio. (Go Buckeyes!) I have been teaching kindergarten the last 5 years in Ohio, and I’ve been a competitive swimmer since I was 7. My favorite color is green. I love to cook, go hiking/camping, read books, watch movies and listen to awesome music. Mexican food is my favorite. I’m a coffee addict. I have the best dog ever, and I’m the proud Aunt of 3!

 

Gwen

Coming soon!

 

Chris

Coming soon!

 

Micaela

My name is Micaela. I recently moved to Portland from Seattle and I love it here. I was a competitive swimmer for seven years. I worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor in Washington. My favorite stroke is the breaststroke and I love to race. When I am not working, I love to spend my time running or hiking and I love to read and watch movies.