CONFIDENCE, SAFETY AND FREEDOM
IN THE WATER AND BEYOND
OUR STORY
TinySwell was born from a deep, personal desire to create a safer world for children around water. It all began when our family lived in Santa Barbara with our toddler, Lou. Surrounded by the ocean, we constantly walked the fine line between fun and fear, always saying, “watch out” or “don’t go in.” We quickly realized that this type of parenting—focused on fear—doesn’t empower a child to explore, build confidence, or thrive in the world. We knew there had to be a better way.
As a physician, researcher, and mother, I also couldn’t ignore the harsh reality: drowning is the leading cause of death for children under 4. But the good news is, we can change that.
Children are born capable of learning essential water safety skills much earlier than we think, and we wanted to help parents tap into that potential.
With the birth of our son Scottie, TinySwell was born—a mission to equip infants with the skills and confidence to enjoy water safely from the very beginning. Recognizing the need for both physical and emotional support, Valérie, our clinical psychologist with a special love for the littlest ones, and I partnered up.
Valérie saw firsthand how many children struggle in traditional swim schools, where a one-size-fits-all approach often leaves little ones feeling overwhelmed in new environments with unfamiliar teachers. She recognized the absolute need for an individualized approach—one that begins with bonding and trust.
For Valérie, TinySwell is about more than just teaching water safety and swim strokes. It’s about supporting children’s overall development. By listening to and understanding each child’s needs, TinySwell builds the trust and emotional security necessary for true learning to take place. Once trust is established, children thrive—not only in the water, but in their confidence and independence.
At TinySwell, we believe in empowering little ones to explore confidently, and we’re here to guide them — and their parents — every step of the way. Together, we help families build not only water skills, but the confidence to enjoy every splash with peace of mind.
OUR APPROACH
At TinySwell, your mini’s safety and well-being come first. Our team of (para)medical experts—including a medical doctor specializing in physical medicine, psychologists, physiotherapists and osteopaths—uses an individualized, one-on-one approach to teaching water safety. Every child is unique, and we tailor each lesson to meet their specific needs, building trust and bonding with them before gently guiding them to learn at their own pace.
We do challenge our mini’s to help them learn, but only when they’ve built enough self-confidence and trust in their instructor. Our approach ensures that this happens from a place of positive empowerment, always carefully controlled and mindful of each child’s boundaries. This balance between challenge and support is a key aspect of our methodology, allowing your child to develop essential self-rescue skills without overwhelming them.
Our holistic approach also promotes physical and cognitive growth. Through water-based activities, our experts encourage full-body movement, supporting both motor skills and emotional development. Our program nurtures self-confidence and independence, aiming for happy, confident, and safe children—in and out of the water. In our private and calm pool environment, your mini will explore, learn, and thrive.
