Selena Willows: Week 6

In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Selena discuss how swim skills can become unintentionally gatekept when “prerequisites” turn into rigid myths.

They unpack why skills like back floating, bubbles, breath control, and stroke readiness should be taught with more nuance—especially when every swimmer brings different body composition, muscle tone, proprioception, emotions, communication needs, and comfort levels to the water.

They also discuss bubbles: why we teach them, when they help, when they may not be the first priority, and why breath control should connect to the swimmer’s ability to get another breath—whether by popping up, rolling over, or finding air safely.

A thoughtful episode for swim instructors, aquatic professionals, parents, and anyone ready to rethink how we teach swimming with more awareness, flexibility, and respect for the individual swimmer.

https://www.instagram.com/swimtosafetybyselena/

https://www.facebook.com/SwimtoSafetybySelena

https://www.linkedin.com/in/selena-grinham-willows/

https://www.swimtosafety.com/