Coastal Bend families spend afternoons dipping in pools and splashing in waves, and as a year-round water community, learning how to navigate it safely can be lifesaving. From backyard pools to the surf, Yvette Segovia, founder and lead instructor of Safe and Strong Swim Academy, is committed to teaching children essential life-saving water skills and confidence in swimming.
The Academy is a private survival swim program specializing in the survival swim method. Children gain aquatic emergency responses by learning age-appropriate self-rescue skills, breath control, floating and water confidence. Segovia’s teaching philosophy focuses on a safe space where children are nurtured and taught in an encouraging environment, allowing them to feel comfortable and develop a lifelong love for swimming.
“Living in the Coastal Bend means we are surrounded by water,” Segovia said. “Because of our climate and lifestyle, water safety is not just a summer conversation; it is a year-round necessity. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, and many incidents occur when children are not expected to be in the water. Water safety education should be viewed as an essential life skill, much like wearing a seatbelt or looking both ways before crossing the street.”
Thanks to a community committed to water safety, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, community advocates, healthcare professionals and families have supported Safe and Strong Swim Academy through partnerships, sponsorships, community outreach efforts and scholarship opportunities. Families who might not otherwise have access to survival swim instruction are able to receive life-saving lessons.
“I believe every child deserves access to life-saving water safety skills, regardless of a family’s financial situation,” Segovia shared. “As I began serving families throughout our community, I met parents who understood the importance of swim lessons but faced financial barriers that made enrollment difficult. I never wanted cost to be the reason a child missed the opportunity to learn skills that could potentially save their life.” The Float It Forward scholarship fund, in partnership with Hope Floats Foundation—a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping prevent childhood drownings—creates opportunities for children to receive lifesaving instruction.
“At the heart of everything we do is the belief that water safety should be accessible, approachable and woven into the fabric of our community,” Segovia added. “Whether through survival swim lessons, scholarship opportunities, community partnerships or water safety events, our goal is to help families feel empowered and prepared. If we can help one more child gain confidence, one more parent feel equipped or one more family avoid tragedy through education and prevention, then we are fulfilling our mission.
Contact: @safeandstrongswimacademy | safeandstrongswim.com
