Why I Believe ISWIM Is the Best Choice for Kids' Swim Lessons in the Lower Mainland

Children eagerly practice their diving form at the start of a swim lesson, showing enthusiasm and teamwork by the poolside.

My name is Vladimir Ushakov, and as an Olympian and Head Coach of ISWIM Swimming School, I’ve spent my life helping children build confidence in the water. Over the years, I’ve seen too many families in Burnaby, Surrey, and Abbotsford spend months or even years in other programs with little progress. That’s why I created ISWIM – a school where we guarantee results, use proven methods, and inspire children to love the water.

But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what parents are saying about ISWIM.

Goal-Oriented Lessons with Guaranteed Results

At ISWIM, every lesson is focused, efficient, and designed to deliver progress. I know how important it is for parents to see results quickly – that’s why we confidently offer a free trial for best swim lessons.

One parent shared:

🌟 “My son now can float and swim a little bit all by himself only after 3 lessons.”

Another wrote:

🌟 “Our twins were swimming from the very first lesson… Can’t even describe how happy we are to see their fast progress and smiling faces after lessons.”

This is exactly what I want for every child – for them to leave the pool not only safer, but also proud of themselves.

World-Class Coaches with 100+ Years of Experience

What truly makes ISWIM unique is our coaching staff. I’ve built a team of senior instructors with over 100 years of combined international experience. Every coach here is passionate, highly skilled, and trained to engage kids in a way that makes them excited to learn.

As one parent put it:

🌟 “The coaches showed professionalism, enthusiasm, care, support and dedication to each child… This is not a ‘drop your kids off to be coddled’ swimming lesson. This is a ‘we will get your child swimming and loving it’… worth every penny!”

That balance of professionalism and joy is exactly what I want every family to feel when they join ISWIM.

Rapid Progress and Real Results

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching thousands of kids how to swim quickly and safely. Many parents come to ISWIM after months or even years in other programs — and they’re shocked at the difference.

Here’s what some of them have said:

🌟 “We had tried Paddleheads, Red Cross, and city programs for years. My kids never made progress and were still afraid of the water. After just a few weeks at ISWIM, the difference was unbelievable — they were swimming on their own. Nothing compares to this school.”

🌟 “In other programs, my daughter spent months playing games instead of learning. At ISWIM, she was swimming across the pool after the very first lesson. I wish we had started here years ago.”

🌟 “We wasted so much time in city-run lessons. It felt more like babysitting than swimming. At ISWIM, every minute of the lesson is structured, and my kids are finally learning properly.”

These are real stories from families across Burnaby, Surrey, and Abbotsford. They remind me every day why I built ISWIM: to give children a faster, safer, and more inspiring path in the water.

More Than Swim Lessons – A Pathway to Water Polo Champions

Swimming is the foundation, but at ISWIM, I also see it as the beginning of a much bigger journey. We are deeply connected to Surrey Water Polo Club and Future Water Polo in Abbotsford, and many of our swimmers go on to play competitively. Some are already part of provincial and national team programs – and our own coaching staff helps develop athletes at the national level across Canada.

By joining ISWIM, families don’t just get swimming lessons. They join a pathway that can lead to water polo, lifelong fitness, and even opportunities to compete at the highest levels.

A Community That Feels Like Family

What makes me proudest is the community that has grown around ISWIM. Parents often tell me how their children can’t wait for the next lesson, how their confidence has grown, and how much joy they feel in the water.

Here’s what one happy family said:

🌟 “Our girls were swimming from the first lesson. Big thank you to the best teachers ever… 5 stars isn’t enough. 10 out of 10!”

And another shared:

🌟 “My son begs me to take him to class. Swimming went from a struggle to the highlight of his week.”

For me, there’s nothing better than seeing kids leave the pool with a smile, knowing they’ve achieved something new.

Join Me at ISWIM This Fall

We run programs in Burnaby, Surrey (Guildford, Fleetwood, South Surrey), and Abbotsford – with both kids’ and adult lessons available.

Fall registration is now open, and I invite you to try a free trial class with us. Come see why so many families say ISWIM is the best decision they ever made for their kids.

👉 Register today at www.iswimschool.ca

I look forward to welcoming you to the ISWIM family.

— Vladimir Ushakov, Head Coach, ISWIM Swimming School