Testimonials

I had signed up my son for swim lessons with another “award-winning” place twice, but both times he refused to continue after the first lesson.

“I had signed up my son for swim lessons with another “award-winning” place twice, but both times he refused to continue after the first lesson. He didn’t take to the instructor at all as she didn’t seem very compassionate to his apprehension. I explained this to Jennifer at Water Otters before I signed him up with her. I really appreciated that she listened to me and took measures to accommodate my son and his fears. My son took right to Jennifer and he never once complained about her or about going. After the first lesson he began swimming and all of his apprehensions were replaced with confidence. I highly recommend Jennifer!”
-Jennifer Ohn

Jennifer is an amazing swimming instructor.

“Jennifer is an amazing swimming instructor. I am 30 years old and have never swam before in my life. I wanted to learn to swim because I’m going to Hawaii on my honeymoon, and Jennifer helped me achieve my goal. She completely understood my swimming fears and taught me at my own pace. Because of her, I now feel comfortable in the water and am looking forward to a lifetime of summer swimming. I highly recommend Jennifer as a gentle, caring, and supportive swim teacher.”
– Jill Sommers

We’ve had with several swim teachers in prior years but no one like Jennifer.

“We’ve had with several swim teachers in prior years but no one like Jennifer. Her style makes learning to swim fun. My four year old daughter doesn’t want the lesson to end and looks forward to each one. There’s no push and pull like we’ve experienced with prior teachers. Jennifer knows how to keep my daughter focused and happy while learning. Her teaching style & techniques emphasize enjoyment of the water. My daughter learns how to swim, breath and be safe, while “playing” with Jennifer in the water. Miss Jennifer is amazing!”
-Melanie O’Patry

“I can’t wait to swim with you Ms. Bornholdt!”
– Samantha Thomes (age 4)

“When we began swim lessons with Jennifer, my youngest daughter wouldn’t even put her head under the water, and my older daughter, while able to swim a little, was not a proficient swimmer due to her lack of proper form and her fear of the deep end of the pool. After one summer of lessons with Jennifer, my youngest daughter was finally comfortable in the water and able to go under without fear and without swallowing water. My oldest daughter developed fabulous form and a tremendous confidence in the water, eagerly swimming graceful laps and finally comfortable swimming in the deep end. They were motivated by Jennifer’s wonderful approach — encouraging, enthusiastic, yet gentle and nurturing. Clearly, they both trusted her and felt safe with her, making their lessons enjoyable and allowing them to have fun while learning to swim. We can’t wait to start lessons again this summer!! Hats off to Jennifer!! Thanks so much!”
-Teri Ecoff

I had enrolled my daughters in two previous swimming classes with other instructors, and they had not learned to swim.

“I had enrolled my daughters in two previous swimming classes with other instructors, and they had not learned to swim. Worse yet, one of my daughters developed a fear of the water! After a few lessons with Jennifer they were swimming and extremely comfortable in the water. She really knows how to connect with her students, especially those who require special attention. My daughters not only learned to swim but gained confidence in themselves. I highly recommend her to anyone of any age who wants to learn to swim.”
– Wendi Tamura

Working with Jennifer and Water Otters has been wonderful for my son.

“Working with Jennifer and Water Otters has been wonderful for my son. He is now completely comfortable in the water and after only 3 weeks became a strong, confident swimmer. I feel much safer about him being in the pool so much, knowing he has learned from the best. I would highly recommend Jennifer and Water Otters!!!!!!!!!”
-Jamie

When my son started with Jennifer he couldn’t put a toe in the water with out bursting into tears.

“When my son started with Jennifer he couldn’t put a toe in the water with out bursting into tears. In one week he was putting his head underwater and reaching for sinking toys! Four years later that same child is not only a fabulous and confident swimmer, but he can literally flip off a diving board! We did not hesitate to enroll our younger son in swim lessons with Jennifer at the age of 1. He is now 4 years-old and somersaulting underwater. Vacation and Summer in the pool with my kids is such a delight thanks to Jennifer!”
– Aly Graiwer

It would not be an understatement to say that without Jennifer my son may never have touched the water on his own.

“It would not be an understatement to say that without Jennifer my son may never have touched the water on his own.  In two months he went from standing on the outer edge of the pool to being pulled through the water, floating on his back and even putting his face in.  The only thing keeping him from actually swimming at this point is another round of Jennifer’s lessons (Summer 2007).”
– Eric Cohen

My son Ben is 5 years old and has taken some version of swimming lessons since he was 6 months old.  He still couldn’t swim.

“My son Ben is 5 years old and has taken some version of swimming lessons since he was 6 months old.  He still couldn’t swim.  Different schools used different techniques but he refused to be let go, the instructor always had to hold on to him.  After just a couple sessions with Jennifer he was jumping in the deep end and swimming the length of the pool alone.  She did in a couple months what others couldn’t do in 4 1/2 years.  Her ability to assess the underlying problem quickly and fix it allowed my son to propel though the classes and overcome his fears.  My peace of mind was worth every penny and would HIGHLY recommend Jennifer to anyone wanting to have their child swimming in no time at all.  I am so grateful that we had this experience and thank Jennifer with all my heart.”
-Irina Kurland

We started with Jennifer when my son was 2.5 years old and very afraid of the water…

“We started with Jennifer when my son was 2.5 years old and very afraid of the water, so much so that he didn’t even really wanted to go in the pool. After 5 minutes into the first swimming lesson he was in the water and by the end of the lesson enjoying it. This is our second season with Jennifer and my timid boy now 3.5, is a water loving, diving, floating, swimming dolphin. She is truly amazing at making kids even the hard headed ones like mine make feel comfortable, and safe in the water. I’ve seen her teach many other kids, and her technique, and approach is exceptional and different with every child based on the child’s personality. I am truly grateful to have her in my son’s life and have her show him the joy of being in the water while teaching him how to be safe.”
-Krisztina Paskuly

When we signed up for swimming lessons with Ms. Bornholdt two summers ago I didn’t know what the big hype was…

“When we signed up for swimming lessons with Ms. Bornholdt two summers ago I didn’t know what the big hype was…she came highly recommended by parents of children who were great swimmers. So, I figured …we would give it a try. My oldest boy, Niko, is a child who is slow to warm up and I wasn’t sure how much swimming he would learn in a session. I remember Ms. Bornholdt asking me, what the ultimate goal was for Niko. I replied, “ to swim, of course”. She said that her goal for Niko would be to trust and feel successful. At that moment I realized, THAT was the big hype. Ms. Bornholdt is mindful, respectful and above all encouraging. It is not about the level of swimming but the level of confidence. We are thankful for her support and needless to say Niko and Viktoria are awesome swimmers.”
– The Balbins