Since 1971 · Mesa, Arizona
Meet Lana Whitehead Who's Been Teaching Arizona Kids to Swim for Over 50 Years
Lana Whitehead built SWIMkids USA on a master's thesis, four research studies, and a simple belief: every child — including kids with disabilities — deserves to learn water safety with patience and respect.
The Origin
It Started With a Thesis, Not a Business Plan
In 1971, Lana Whitehead wasn't trying to start a swim school chain — she was finishing her master's in Special Education at Arizona State University, researching how children with sensory and developmental differences learn movement and water skills. Four research projects later, the program she'd built to test her thesis became SWIMkids USA. Five decades on, it's still her research, just refined by thousands of kids.
Qualifications
The Credentials Behind the Curriculum
BA, Exercise Physiology
MA, Special Education — Sensory Integration
Arizona & California Teaching Certificates
Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
StarGuard Lifesaving Certified
CPR & First Aid, Professional Rescuer
YMCA Adaptive Swimming Instruction
Member, American College of Sports Medicine
State & National USA Swimming Official
What Sets Lana Apart
Trained to Teach the Kids Other Programs Aren't Built For
Lana's graduate work focused on sensory integration and training children with disabilities — including signing to the deaf. It's a level of specialized training most swim schools simply don't have, and it's baked into how every SWIMkids USA instructor teaches today.
Five Decades
One Pool, A Lot of Ripples
1971
Founds SWIMkids USA from ASU thesis research
Early years
Becomes a competitive swim coach and USA Swimming Official
Ongoing
Authors books, articles, and curriculum used internationally
2012
Inducted into the U.S. Swim School Association Hall of Fame
Today
Still training instructors. Still in the building everyday.
Becomes a competitive swim coach and USA Swimming Official
We're not just teaching kids to swim. We're teaching them they're capable — and that takes patience, not pressure.
LANA WHITEHEAD
Beyond the Pool
Lana also serves as President of Blake's Miracle Foundation, supporting families and children's causes across the Valley. Same philosophy that built SWIMkids USA - showing up for kids - just outside the water.
Blake's Miracle