Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
Live2Swim opens in Brookfield to teach water safety and confidence, as swim proficiency rates nationwide show room to grow. BROOKFIELD, CT — A new swim school in Brookfield is making a splash with its mission to teach children water safety and confidence in a calm, supportive setting. Live2Swim, located at 94 Old State Road, opened its doors this month under the direction of principal Dylan Elkind, offering year-round lessons for children as young as three months. Elkind said Live2Swim was designed “to give kids the gift of safety and lifelong enjoyment in the water” through structured, skill-based instruction. The facility features a purpose-built teaching pool kept at 90 degrees, soundproofing to reduce noise, and a parent lounge equipped with viewing windows and a coffee bar. "We wanted an environment where kids could learn without getting cold or overwhelmed," Elkind said. "Our goal is for them to leave confident and competent in the water." The facility was the former home of the Aquatic Club of Brookfield, a daycare that had a pool in the basement. Elkind and his crew renovated it into a pure swim school facility. The pool uses a saltwater filtration system with dual sand filters, UV sanitation, and continuous monitoring of pH and chlorine levels. The school employs 10 instructors who rotate between swim instruction, evaluation, and customer service. Teaching Safety Early Live2Swim offers programs for infants, toddlers, and children up to age 10, divided into 10 skill levels. For babies under eight months, classes focus on sensory experiences and socialization, while older children progress through survival skills and swimming strokes, including the butterfly. Each level includes five core skills, and children “level up” as they master them. Elkind, a father of a young daughter, said his inspiration came from personal experience. “As a parent with a pool at home, it’s scary when your child doesn’t yet know how to swim,” he said. “There weren’t many dedicated facilities nearby, so we built one.” A Global Model The school’s curriculum comes from an Australian partner organization that operates six swim schools abroad. “Australia is the global leader in aquatic education,” Elkind said. “Everyone learns to swim there—it’s part of early childhood education.” Growing Need For Swim Education According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among children aged 1 to 4 in the United States. An American Red Cross survey found that while 80 percent of Americans say they can swim, only 56 percent can perform five basic water safety skills—such as floating for one minute or treading water. In 2014, just 46 percent of Americans could pass the Red Cross’s swim competency test, showing some improvement over the past decade but underscoring the continued need for early swim education. Community Response Since opening, Live2Swim has seen strong interest. “We’ve had several hundred people create accounts on our website,” Elkind said. “We’re offering everyone a free trial lesson, and so far, every family who’s tried it has enrolled.” He credits the Brookfield community for its support during the startup phase. “People have been very understanding as we work out the kinks,” Elkind said. “We believe deeply in what we’re offering—and we’re thrilled to see kids in the pool learning to swim.” Live2Swim is open year-round at 94 Old State Road in Brookfield. Families can learn more or schedule a free trial lesson at live2swim.com.
