Experience you can have confidence in

More about Darlene

Welcome to ISR with Darlene! I am proud to have had the opportunity to teach these life-changing skills to so many young children and their parents over the past 20 years.

From the moment I first saw a baby floating on TV over 25 years ago, I knew that ISR was something special. Unlike so many other tragedies, pediatric drowning is preventable! In trained hands, the science of biology and a sound understanding of psychology and learning theory - together with a young child's unstoppable capacity to achieve what seems impossible opens the door to someday eliminate this heartbreak suffered by so many families.

Years later, when my son was born, I set out to find this "baby whisperer" and was delighted to find the ISR program right in our own Florida backyard! As soon as they were able, all three of my children enrolled in ISR to learn aquatic self rescue skills and to enjoy the water...safely. I felt so passionately about what they were learning and the positive effect that this bit of peace of mind had on my family, that when an opportunity to train as an Instructor arose, I jumped on it and the rest, as they say, is history. My nursing career, my perspective as a parent and my belief in what is possible will never be the same. Since then, I have had the pleasure of working with this amazing team as an Instructor, as part of the ISR RET as well and can truly say working with the most special people in your life is a joy and an honor. I cannot imagine my life without ISR. Watching a baby float is still something special!

I look forward to meeting you soon.

¡Bienvenidos a ISR con Darlene!
Me enorgullece haber tenido la oportunidad de enseñar estas habilidades que cambian vidas a tantos niños pequeños y a sus padres durante los últimos 20 años.

Desde el momento en que vi por primera vez a un bebé flotando en la televisión, hace más de 25 años, supe que ISR era algo especial. A diferencia de tantas otras tragedias, ¡el ahogamiento infantil es prevenible! En manos capacitadas, la ciencia de la biología y una sólida comprensión de la psicología y la teoría del aprendizaje —junto con la capacidad imparable de un niño pequeño para lograr lo que parece imposible— abren la puerta para que algún día se elimine este dolor que sufren tantas familias.

Años después, cuando nació mi hijo, me propuse encontrar a este “susurrador de bebés” y me alegró descubrir que el programa ISR estaba justo en nuestro propio patio trasero en Florida. Tan pronto como pudieron, mis tres hijos se inscribieron en ISR para aprender habilidades de auto-rescate acuático y disfrutar del agua… de manera segura. Sentí tanta pasión por lo que estaban aprendiendo y por el efecto positivo que esta tranquilidad trajo a mi familia, que cuando surgió la oportunidad de capacitarme como Instructora, no lo dudé y, como dicen, el resto es historia. Mi carrera en enfermería, mi perspectiva como madre y mi fe en lo que es posible nunca volvieron a ser las mismas. Desde entonces, he tenido el placer de trabajar con este increíble equipo como Instructora y también como parte del RET de ISR, y puedo decir con toda sinceridad que trabajar con las personas más especiales en sus vidas es una alegría y un honor. No puedo imaginar mi vida sin ISR. ¡Ver flotar a un bebé sigue siendo algo muy especial!

Espero conocerlos pronto.

FAQs

Why are ISR lessons so expensive?

ISR Instructors are highly trained in child learning, psychology and behavior, are required to recertify skills annually and are backed by a world-class support system. Each Certified ISR Instructor is an independent business owner and sets their rates according to many factors such as location, demand and cost of pool rental. While there are no guarantees, most students become fully skilled - independent and able to self-rescue in the water in a matter of weeks, versus potentially years in "traditional" swim programs. Ask the overwhelming majority of our ISR families and they will tell you that every penny is well worth the peace of mind it brings to them and the confidence and competence they see in their young children . Safe + effective = more value for your dollar! ISR partners with many charitable foundations to provide needs based assistance for families who qualify.

Why do you have the children swim in clothes?

Because 86% of children who fall in the water do so fully clothed, we want our students to have experience with such a situation. If a child has experienced the sensations of being in the water in clothing prior to an emergency situation, he/she is less likely to experience panic and be able to focus on the task at hand. If you have ever jumped in the water with clothes on, then you know that there is a significant difference in weight and feel with clothes as opposed to a bathing suit.

Why does it take an average of 6 weeks for my child to learn this?

The 6-week average is an estimate that is based on the average time in which it takes most children to learn these survival skills. Every child is unique and ISR’s Self- Rescue program is specifically designed based on your child’s individual strengths and needs. It is important to realize that this is an average which means that some children will actually finish more quickly while others will need more practice. ISR is dedicated to safety and, therefore, we want to provide your child with the time and best opportunity to become proficient in his/her survival skills. We will always honor your child’s needs.

How do you teach them to hold their breath?

Breath holding skills are taught beginning with the first lesson. We shape breath control using highly effective positive reinforcement techniques. We continue to reinforce these breath-holding techniques throughout every lesson.

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