© Miss Kennie's Swim School
Orlando, FL
Kennie Wieland teaches survival swimming lessons to children
beginning at about one year of age. A former Red Cross swimming instructor, she has taught for
the city of Orlando Recreation Department. She is certified by the United States Swim School Association
(USSSA), having passed the Theory of Infant Swim Teaching course and the Infant Swim Teacher Certification
course. She is also CPR and first aid certified.
Miss Kennie, as she is affectionately known to her students, is active in many organizations in
Orlando. She is on her sons' school PTA board. Mrs. Wieland and her husband previously sponsored Little
League teams at Conway Little League.
Miss Kennie has a B.A. degree in religion with an emphasis in Christian Education from
Presbyterian College in South Carolina. She has been a church youth director and is active in her church.
During the school year she teaches a 3 year old preschool class at Conway Methodist Preschool.
Miss Kennie teaches children survival techniques in the water. She teaches by positive reinforcement.
She rewards all positive behaviors and ignores any incorrect behaviors during the lessons.The students are taught survival techniques for the water by learning a series of skills.
As a matter of safety, the children are always taught to swim to the wall of the pool and not to a person
Miss Kennie does not believe in "drown-proofing". Children should be taught to be safe in and around the water. No one can guarantee that a child or an adult will not drown.
During one class session near graduation time, the children will be asked to wear heavy clothing in the pool. Miss Kennie will instruct them on techniques to use if the child should accidentally fall into the pool fully clothed.
One class is also scheduled for a parent to join the instructor and student in the pool. At this time Miss Kennie will demonstrate a few basic skills for the parent and child to use after graduation.
1. Constant adult supervision is imperative.
2. If you have a pool, make sure it is completely fenced off from the house. Keep all doors leading to the pool area locked. In addition, audible warning devices should be installed on all exterior doors.
3. Establish a "No running in pool area" rule and enforce it!
4. Clearly define and mark deep and shallow areas of the Pool. Do not allow any diving in depths less than seven (7) feet.
5. Do not use swimming devices (i.e. "swimmies") as swimming aids. They give children a false sense of security in the water.
6. Always have a phone near the pool area, and instruct all family members on how to use the 911 system.
7. Become certified in CPR.
