Programs 2026
Rise & Swim
Before-schoolBrain & Body Program for Middle Schoolers
Middle school mornings are hard: bodies are changing, attention is scattered. Rise & Swim gets kids moving and playing, three mornings a week before school, working with their brains instead of against them.
Backed by Harvard psychiatrist Dr. John Ratey's research on how exercise boosts mood, attention, and learning readiness, the program is designed to deliver happier mornings, easier focus, poolside friendships, and a steadier start to the school day.
Shine & Settle
Afternoon Youth Lessons
Some kids just need more time in the water to feel steady, and Shine & Settle meets them just where they are. In these youth swim lessons, kids enjoy swim lessons the way they should be: unhurried, kind, and effective.
Groups are split into beginner and intermediate levels for ages 7–9 and 10–14. We are capped at five kids per lane, and less kids per lane when adaptive lessons are needed.
The Big Chill Swim Club
One Day Per Week
Borrowing the party-atmosphere magic of the Savannah Bananas, The Big Chill Swim Club meets once a week to bring magic and fun to the pool! Themes, games, music, and a scoring system that rewards effort and personality is what drives the program. Kids show up for an interactive show, not a swim lesson. Our coaches hide a great workout inside all that fun, building real stroke technique and water confidence while kids leave happier, more regulated, and ready for homework instead of fighting through it.
Rise & Swim
Before-school Brain & Body Program
for middle schoolers
What Three Mornings Look Like
Give us three mornings a week, and we'll help your kid start the day calmer, more focused, and ready to go.
Rise & Swim Coach
Coach Skyler Findley grew up in Nashville where he competed in summer league, high school, and eventually college club swimming at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He currently serves as Assistant Head Coach for Boulder Swim Team.
He has coached swimmers of all ages, talent levels, commitment, and ability including special olympics, middle school, high school, USA club swimming, masters, and summer swim for both kids and adults. He founded Nashville School Swim Club (a nonprofit that supports public school swimming in Nashville), and the Nashville Grown-Up Swim League (a summer swimming league for adults). Skyler served as head coach for the Fairview HS Boys team in 2026, and just returned from his final summer coaching his childhood rec team to their 23rd consecutive Nashville city championship.
The RISE & SWIM program is swimming that wakes up the brain and body, paired with fun games and challenges that build focus, confidence, friendships, and connection.
For middle school swimmers of all levels — from kids building a strong foundation and learning new skills to swimmers who are swim team-ready or already on a team and looking for a positive start to their day.
THE HEADWATER DAILY FLOW
Each session has a structured, predictable 50-minute routine to prime the brain for the day ahead. The program begins with 15 minutes of on-deck focus activities including games and challenges that build task initiation, organization, and focus. All before the swim even begins! The remaining 35 minutes is in the pool for an engaging workout designed to set kids up for success — building skill, endurance, and teamwork.
OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
Small-Group Coaching
Kids train in small groups within a calm,
focused environment and is never lost in the crowd.
Heart-Led Coaching
Every coach we hire is chosen for one thing above all: they see and connect with kids. When your child feels seen they are motivated and open. This is a no-pressure coaching experience; your coach celebrates who your child already is.
SCHEDULE & LOGISTICS
TBD
Our Approach
HEART-LED COACHING
What does “heart-led coaching” mean?
Heart-led coaching is our philosophy that great coaches lead with empathy first. It’s connection, not correction. Our coaches are trained to bring genuine care, patience, and intentional mentorship to every interaction, creating an environment where kids feel seen, safe, and motivated. We believe athletic development and character development go hand in hand. Once a child feels truly supported, focus, confidence, and performance follow naturally.
Are you a swim instructor and love what you do?
We're looking for you!
Positions available.
Send an email to Rebecca@HeadwaterAthletics.com