Program and Facility Highlights
Open Seven Days a Week
Classes for All Ages: 4 Months & up
Day & Evening Classes Available
Small Classes
Certified Instructors
Family Open Swim and Adapted Open Swim
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!
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 swam for 8 years on swim team and my boys have swam for the past couple years!
In 2018, I became a USA Swimming Stroke and Turn Official. You can catch me officiating at some swim meets around Oregon.
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. (Because let’s be honest, what mom doesn’t love 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!
Staff
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.
Yasmin
Receptionist
Hi, my name is Yasmin! I recently moved to Oregon with my husband. I’m loving it so far!
During the day, I work at a preschool and have been working with kids for over 8 years now!
I am excited to be joining this team and getting to know everyone. On my free time, I like to explore Oregon and am always looking for recommendations!
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!
Ashlee
Trainer
Savvy
Trainer / Adapted Open Swim Lead
Ingrid
Trainer
Hi, my name is Ingrid! I’ve lived in Oregon all my life. I love to read and bake, but my favorite hobby of all time is painting. I have a cat named Bruno, who is very silly and loves to play. I am a student at Portland State University studying to be a social worker. My summers have always consisted of swimming. Being a swim instructor gives me the opportunity to share my love for it, so that hopefully my students will love it too!
Lexi
Instructor
My name is Lexi. I attend Portland State University working towards my Bachelors of Science majoring in psychology. I first started on the Astoria Swim Team when I was seven years old and I earned a varsity letter for swimming in high school.
Zoey
Instructor
My name is Zoey. I did club swimming from ages 5 to 18 years old. I have a passion for water and swimming. I have also taught swim lessons for COTS in the past! Excited to be back and make a difference for children.
Sebastian
Instructor
Hi, I’m Sebastian. Most of my experience working with kids comes from teaching sewing lessons. I swam for 6 years. Outside of my love for being in the water, I am very passionate about jellyfish, storytelling in all forms, cathedral style castles and doll making.
Wren
Instructor
I am a former camp counselor and I swam competitively for seven years. I like painting, crochet and learning fun facts about animals! Working with kids is a joy to me and I’m very excited to be joining the staff here!
Ellie
Instructor
Hello, my name is Ellie and outside of the pool, you can typically find me painting with my cats. I grew up doing swim lessons which got me into competitive swim and water polo. In high school, I competed in 2 state championships for water polo and was in the Junior Olympics for water polo in high school.
Amelia
Instructor
Hi, my name is Amelia! I love the color pink and spooky movies. I also have a cat named Buffy, who is almost 1 years old. I am originally from Colorado but moved here for school.
Amari
Instructor
Hey, my name is Amari-ah. I also go by Amari. I have 6+ years of childcare experience from the Montessori Practice to summer camps. I love to swim for fun as a hobby or a form of self-care. I have 7 pets and I am an aspiring artist. I look forward to having fun with your kiddo in the water!
Lilya
Instructor
Hello! My name is Lilya. I am excited to teach your kids at Children of the Sea! In my free time, I love to be in the water with my 2 kids and husband. We also spend a lot of time at the beach. I can’t wait to see you in the water!
Jena Rae
Instructor
Heya, I’m Jena Rae. Growing up in Florida, I was always immersed in water. Not only is swimming a passion of mine, but I also love to be in nature, hiking and travelling around the world. I recently became a yoga instructor and enjoy being in connection with the community. I hope to meet you and share in on the magic of these qualities.
Troy
Instructor
Hi! I’m Troy. I was born in New Mexico and moved here when I was 10. I have 2 dogs and love all animals.
Kate
Instructor
My name is Kate. I have 2 dogs- Barney and Garrett. I like swimming. My favorite stroke is the breaststroke. I also like windsurfing. I have spent many years traveling and teaching kids from all over the world.
