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Program and Facility Highlights

Currently Open Sunday to Thursday

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.

Owners

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!

Lisa

Assistant Pool Manager

Hey guys. My name is Lisa and I am one of the instructors here at COTS. I was born and raised in Germany and moved to the states almost 10 years ago. Back in Germany, I worked as a ballroom dance and kid’s dance instructor since I was 16 years old. 

I’ve always loved the water and am excited to be a part of the COTS team. When I’m not in the pool, I love spending all my time with my son Elliot. We enjoy going for walks, painting and playing with our dog, Sami.

I’ll see you in the pool!

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

Deck Supervisor

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!

Rachel

Instructor

Hi! I’m Rachel. I was born in Burlington, VT, but I consider Oakland, CA my home after my family moved there when I was six. Growing up, I tried almost every sport, which is how I discovered my love for swimming. I swam for my high school swim team and have my swim coach to thank for introducing me to swim instructing. I’ve been teaching swim lessons for seven years now, and there are only a few things that give me the same joy as watching my students grow and progress. I moved to Portland from Santa Barbara, CA to finish my undergrad degree, and was fortunate to find COTS and their amazing family.

When I’m not in the pool, I’m usually hanging out with friends or my dog, Boo. You can also find me outside enjoying nature and trying new or off-the-beaten-path type of activities like fire spinning, rope courses, and mountain boarding. See you in the water!  

Alex

Instructor

Nick

Instructor

Savvy

Instructor

Trevor

Instructor

This could be you!

Instructor

We are hiring! If you would like to work at Children of the Sea, give us a call! 🙂 

This could be you!

Instructor

We are hiring! If you would like to work at Children of the Sea, give us a call! 🙂