When SWIMkids instructor Tenea Kissling was tasked with choosing an inspiring community leader for a school project, she didn’t have to look far. Tenea chose our very own founder and owner, Lana Whitehead, as her subject.We’re so proud to share Tenea’s essay with our SWIMkids family—a heartfelt look at Lana’s lifelong dedication to water safety, youth mentorship, and building a community where every child thrives.
The sounds of splashing water and excited laughter fill the pool as children practice swimming skills under the watchful eyes of instructors. At SwimKids USA, learning to swim is about more than recreation; it is about building confidence, developing life-saving skills, and preventing drowning. Behind this program is Lana Whitehead, the founder of SwimKids USA and a nationally recognized advocate for water safety. Known for her compassion, determination, and unwavering commitment to children and families, Whitehead has devoted her life to making swimming both accessible and safe for people of all ages. For more than fifty years, she has dedicated her career to educating children and families about swimming and drowning prevention while inspiring confidence both in and out of the water. Through her research-based swim program, creation of the swim-float-swim, educational work, and commitment to community outreach, she has made a lasting impact on water safety education and has earned the admiration of the families, instructors, and communities she has served.
“After two of my friends’ children drowned, I vowed to dedicate my life to water safety and drowning prevention”
Lana Whitehead founded SWIMKids USA in 1971 with a mission to reduce child drownings and provide high-quality swim instruction. In a personal interview, Whitehead explained, “After two of my friends’ children drowned, I vowed to dedicate my life to water safety and drowning prevention” (Whitehead). This experience shaped her lifelong commitment to water safety education and inspired her to develop programs focused on prevention. As a result, she has helped educate thousands of children and families, contributing to broader drowning prevention efforts and increased public awareness of water safety.
One of Whitehead’s most significant contributions to water safety has been the development of the SWIMKids USA instructional program, which combines research-based teaching methods with a focus on drowning prevention. In the early stages of her work, she began experimenting with teaching her four-month-old son at the YMCA. Staff later invited her to develop infant swim classes, and these early experiences became the foundation of SWIMKidsUSA. Her master’s thesis research at Arizona State University further shaped the program’s instructional methods and educational philosophy (Whitehead). Together, these formative experiences established a structured and innovative curriculum that continues to influence water safety education.
The long-term success of SWIMKidsUSA reflects the effectiveness of its research-based approach to swim instruction and drowning prevention. During an interview with Jay Tennier, Whitehead noted that many drowning incidents could be prevented through proper instruction and increased awareness (Tennier). As a result, she has continued to focus on developing programs that teach children essential swimming and survival skills. Her commitment to water safety education remains central to the mission and impact of SWIMKidsUSA.
Over the years, SwimKids USA has expanded into an award-winning swim school recognized for its contributions to water safety and childhood education. The organization has served families for more than five decades and has earned numerous honors, including recognition as a leading swim school and awards for community outreach and leadership. Whitehead was inducted into the United States Swim School Association Hall of Fame in 2012 and received the G. Harold Martin Award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2018 for her contributions to child water safety (“Swim Awards – SWIMkids USA”). These recognitions highlight the lasting impact of her work in the field of aquatic education. While her awards recognize professional achievement, Lana’s most meaningful contribution may be the direct impact she has had on the children and families she serves.
“[Lana] teaches the child as a whole; it isn’t just about the skills they are learning, but also about ensuring they feel safe and loved while being taught”
One of Lana Whitehead’s greatest achievements has been teaching children skills that can save their lives. Through SWIMKidsUSA, thousands of children have learned not only how to swim but also how to respond safely in emergency situations around water. During an interview with Angie Smith, she was asked about Lana’s influence on the swimming community. Smith stated that “she teaches the child as a whole; it isn’t just about the skills they are learning, but also about ensuring they feel safe and loved while being taught” (Smith).
While observing SWIMKids, it is evident that each instructor is happy to be there, and the children are equally excited to see their instructors when it is time for swim class. During conversations with Angie Smith and Brandon Whitehead, both emphasized that Lana’s dedication to water safety is what keeps families coming back (Smith; Whitehead B.). Everyone who meets Lana quickly feels like family. She remembers the little things and is always warm, welcoming, and genuinely invested in those around her. This commitment to each child extends beyond swimming instruction. Throughout the program, children are encouraged to build confidence, independence, and safety awareness, helping them become more comfortable and capable in and around the water.
Whitehead will undoubtedly leave behind a meaningful legacy that her children and the SWIMKidscommunity will continue to carry forward. Smith and Brandon Whitehead described her legacy in different ways. Smith emphasized the environment Lana created—one where families and children feel loved, safe, and educated. Brandon, on the other hand, highlighted her unwavering commitment to facing challenges head-on. Having worked with Lana at SWIMKidsUSA, I believe her greatest legacy is the positive impact she has had on countless families through her program. The lifesaving skills children gain and their confidence in using them are lasting gifts that families will carry with them for years to come. Her influence extends far beyond the pool and will not soon be forgotten.
Those around Lana deeply admire her work ethic and dedication. Brandon stated, “She consistently prioritizes her commitments to the team, returning to work as soon as possible, even after facing illness or surgery” (Whitehead B.). Although she has begun stepping back from teaching as she grows older, even after breaking her back, Lana has remained involved with day to day operations. When asked what keeps her motivated, Lana responded, “Definitely not insurance or stuff like that, but the interaction with the kids and families. They are all wonderful people” (Whitehead).
The thought of a day when Lana is no longer at SWIMKidsis difficult for both the staff and the families she has served. While SWIMKidsUSA will not be the same without her kind and caring presence, her legacy will continue through the instructors she has mentored, the families she has impacted, and the children whose lives have been made safer because of her dedication.
Lana Whitehead’s impact extends far beyond teaching children how to swim. Through her dedication to water safety, her commitment to creating a supportive learning environment, and her genuine care for the families she serves, she has changed countless lives. “The skills taught through SWIMKidsUSA have given children confidence in and around the water while also providing parents with peace of mind”. Although Lana may be stepping back from teaching, the values she has instilled in her staff and the lessons she has taught her students will continue for generations. Her legacy is not only found in the success of SWIMKidsUSA, but also in the generations of children who will carry the confidence, skills, and respect for water that she helped instill.
Works Cited
jaytennier. “Lana Whitehead.” Points of Light, https://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/lana-whitehead/. Accessed 17 June 2026.
Smith, Angie. “Lana Whitehead Interview.” [SwimKids USA], 16 June 2026.
“Swim Awards.” SWIMkids USA, https://www.swimkidsaz.com/awards/. Accessed 17 June 2026.
Whitehead, Brandon. “Lana Whitehead Interview.” 18 June 2026.
Whitehead, Lana. “Lana Whitehead Personal Interview.” 17 June 2026.
