How MarciSwim is rewriting the rules of water safety

By Michael J. Pallerino

Ava was terrified of the water. Her mother had referenced a bad experience in another pool as the core of her fear. On the first day of MarciSwim’s “7-Day Swim to Safety” program, Ava was too afraid to even put her face in the water. Marci Dever has seen this before, but Ava’s experience stood out. These types of experiences—each of which have their own story—are why Marci created MarciSwim, the program that combines safety, individualized attention and a focus on building confidence. 

“Our instructors are incredible,” Marci says. “They have this endless well of patience and a real knack for connecting with kids. With Ava, it was all about tiny steps, tons of encouragement and celebrating every little win. By the end of that week it was a complete 180. Ava was swimming across the pool by herself. Seeing that fear disappear and replaced by pure joy and confidence is why we do what we do.”

For families in Decatur and beyond, learning to swim is more than just a life skill; it’s a necessity. With a strong belief in the transformative power of swimming, Marci set out to make a difference. She began teaching in high school. After a career in TV production, she asked herself, “What would I do if money was not a factor?” Teaching led to lifeguarding, which led to coaching at a Top 10 national swim club and one of Atlanta’s best summer league clubs, with children as her focus. 

“Every child learns differently,” Marci says. “With one-on-one instruction, our certified instructors can tailor their approach to each child’s needs and learning style. This personalized attention allows us to address any fears or challenges immediately, fostering a sense of accomplishment and boosting confidence. We focus on building a strong student/teacher bond. This ensures children not only learn the necessary skills, but also develop a positive relationship with the water.”

One of the cornerstones is the “7-Day Swim” program, a specialized, accelerated course designed to provide children and adults with foundational water safety skills in just seven days. Unlike traditional lessons that stretch over weeks or months, the intensive program offers a focused, structured environment that promotes rapid learning.

In addition to the intensive “7-Day Swim” program, MarciSwim offers weekly lessons for those seeking a more traditional approach to swim instruction. To date, more than 10,000 swimmers have learned under their supervision. 

Another key is what the program offers beyond swimming. Safety lessons are integrated into every aspect of the curriculum, from recognizing potential hazards to learning survival skills. “For the last couple of days, we even brought parents into the pool,” Marci says. “We guide them on how to reinforce these lessons at home, making water safety a family practice. Living in a community like Decatur, where families are often near water, learning to swim is critical. It’s not just about fun; it’s about safety.”

Through its unique approach, personalized coaching and focus on water safety, MarciSwim is equipping children and families with the tools they need to be safe, confident and empowered in any aquatic environment.

To learn more, visit marciswim.com.