Program and Facility Highlights
Open Seven Days a Week
Classes for All Ages: 4 Months & up
Day & Evening Classes Available
Small Classes
Certified Instructors
Baby Open Swim & Open Swim Available-not available at this time
Enclosed Pool – 91 Degree Water
Located Near Hwy-26 and Hwy-217
Welcome New Parents and Dedicated Families
Over the next few months you will experience an exciting fast-paced adventure. The life of your child will be forever changed with new joyous memories that will never be forgotten. Our proven teaching methods plus parent involvement, strengthens the experience of learning to swim.
Families never be afraid to ask questions. We understand that you will have question pertaining to the facility, instructors, or the speed your child is advancing through the levels of our program. We welcome questions. Our goal is to teach your little one to swim in a fun filled safe environment that builds self-esteem and a feeling of accomplishment.
Thank you for entrusting your child to our program!
Meet the Team
Each of our instructors takes pride in our program, turning a basic intuitive response into a life-saving skill. They are competent in the latest aquatic techniques with an emphasis on gentle encouragement. Certified in the Children of the Sea Water Safety Program, trained in accordance to the USSA Code of Ethics, and every staff member is CPR and A&D certified by the American Red Cross.
Management
Lynne
Owner
I am Lynne Zavrski, Owner of Children of the Sea. 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. My staff and I would love to introduce your child to the joys of swimming and the security of water safety.
AJ
Owner & Director
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 2005.
Working at COTS is perfect for me because I love to swim and teach kids of all ages and abilities. Away from the pool I enjoy camping, hiking, biking and running, along with spending time with my family and friends. Lately I’ve been enjoying trail running up near Mount Hood and around Forest Park.
I love connecting with other individuals in the aquatic industry. On an annual basis, I attend workshops and conferences put on by the United States Swim School Association and other organizations centered around recreational education and child development.
I have three kids in our swim program. They have been in lessons since they were infants and all of them love the water!
Staff
Sarah
Operations Manager
Hello! My name is Sarah and I am a manager here at Children of the Sea. I originally moved from Lakewood, Washington to attend Portland State University and received my Bachelor’s degree in 2006.
Growing up, I swam on swim team for 10 years and started teaching swim lessons in 2001. In 2009, I had my daughter. Since then, I’ve added two more fish, both boys. My daughter has been on swim team for the past 5+ years and my 7-yr-old just started swim team last year! I recently became a USA Swimming Stroke and Turn Official and officiating at swim meets.
In my spare time, I coach a run club at my kid’s school, snuggle with my two French Bulldogs & Golden Retriever and I love taking naps!
Abbie
Pool Manager
Hey guys! My name is Abbie. I’ve been swimming ever since I can remember. I was on my high school swim team and even life guarded for a while. Needless to say, I love kiddos.
I also enjoy seeing movies, spending time with my family, and cooking!
Courtney
Receptionist
Hi, I’m Courtney and I’ve worked here at the Front Desk since 2005. I have enjoyed meeting all the families that come through here!
My kids have loved learning new skills in the water and it’s great to see how comfortable they are now. Some of my favorite things to do are playing with my kids, going on Disney trips, reading and going to see movies.
Gina
Receptionist
Hello! My name is Gina and I started working at COTS in 2014. Prior to that I was a preschool teacher. My kids are grown and living their best lives; so anytime I get to spend with them is a wonderful treat!
My husband and I enjoy camping, hiking and kayaking together. We are enjoying our time as “empty nesters”. I love working at COTS and really enjoy getting to know our families!
Joelynn
Receptionist
Hi there, my name is Joelynn and I have lived in Oregon with my husband of 25 years and 3 children for the last 20 years. I absolutely love the PNW!
I taught preschool for over 15 years and still teach preschool gymnastics a couple days a week. When I’m not at work, I love crafting and spending time with friends and family. I am really enjoying getting to know all the families and seeing the excitement on the children’s faces when they come to swim.
Instructors
Johanna
Trainer / Maintenance Coordinator
Hi, I’m Johanna! I grew up in Oregon and love anything outdoors! I also like hiking, camping and swimming. I have two cats, but I really love any and all kind of animals!
Can’t wait to see you in the pool!
