Fredericksburg Parent

www.FredericksburgParent.NET 9 www.FredericksburgParent.NET 3 Aaron said, "Every single me someone graduates [to a new level], they'll get a gradua on card that tells them what they're working on next, and we celebrate it big." For some families, the goal may simply be helping a child feel comfortable in the water. For others, it's preparing for swim teams or compe ve swimming. The program is designed to support every kind of swimmer. "The celebra ons are all rela ve to what a parent's goal is," Aaron ex- plained. Whether the goal is learning to be safe in the water, improv- ing their diving, or making their school's swim team, Aaron said, "We get behind the goal and celebrate big." Li le Fish Swimming also emphasizes consistent quality across its pro- grams. Instructors go through extensive training and receive ongoing mentorship from deck managers, who supervise lessons and ensure the curriculum is delivered effec vely. In fact, some former Li le Fish Swimming students have even gone on to become instructors. "We want the best lessons experience for our swimmers and families," Aaron said. The organiza on also ac vely seeks feedback from families to con n- ue improving. "We solicit feedback from parents every single month," Aaron said. "And many of the adjustments we've made have been based off of listening to families' feedback." Over the years, that dedica on has led to countless suc- cess stories. Aaron recalled one swimmer who began lessons as a young beginner before eventually compe ng at a high level. "He came back, and he was covered in medals and ribbons," he said. Another story involved a swimmer who ini ally feared the water a er a difficult experience at the beach. "They were fearful of the water, and through consistency and staying in lessons and not shying away from that, they were able to replace that fear with the confidence they needed," said Aaron. That swimmer later became one of the strongest compe tors on her swim team. In addi on to year-round swim lessons, Li le Fish Swimming offers swim camps, stroke and fitness training for swimmers transi oning toward compe ve teams, and even par es for families looking to celebrate in the pool. Li le Fish Swimming's growth is reflected in their newest facility at New Post, which marks their fourth official loca on, and which is a space the Rayfords dreamed of crea ng for years. A er opera ng out of shared pools and partner loca ons, the opportunity to design a dedicated swim school from the ground up marked a major mile- stone for the business. The Rayfords were inten onal about keeping the project local, part- nering with area crea ves and businesses to bring the space to life. "We grew up here, so we really take pride in the fact that we're local," Aaron said. "So with this facility, we also worked with local designers. Spaces Design Studio helped us achieve a signature look and were integral to selec ng the aesthe c and building materials." The building itself was designed to feel both func onal and welcoming, with though ul details that reflect the Li le Fish Swimming brand and create a fun environment for swimmers. One of the most eye-catch- ing features greets visitors the moment they walk through the doors: a large mural created by local ar st Pete Morelewicz, whose work many Fredericksburg residents may already recognize. "We have a lot of good ar sts, and he did a beau ful mural for us," Aaron said. The pool itself was built with instruc on in mind, including gradual en- try steps that help younger swimmers feel comfortable as they begin learning water skills, and a diving block that offers more experienced swimmers a chance to prac ce their skills. Together, these elements create a space where begin- ners can take their first steps into the pool while more experienced swimmers continue challenging them- selves, another reflection of Little Fish Swimming's commitment to meeting swimmers where they are and helping them grow. As the organiza on approaches its 19th summer serving the commu- nity, the Rayfords remain grateful for the families who have trusted them with their children's swim journeys. "You blink, and now it's our 19th summer and 19 years of serving the community," Aaron said. "There are a lot of thank you's and a lot of gra tude as we open this facility." He added that the team's greatest reward is watching swimmers gain confidence and independence in the water. "Thank you for trus ng us and allowing us to do what we love, which is see swimmers become confident and safe in the water," Aaron said. For families interested in swimming instruc on, Aaron invites everyone to come and give Li le Fish Swimming a try. "We'd love for anyone who reads this ar cle to come try a free lesson!" Learn More About Li le Fish Swimming: li lefishswimming.com facebook.com/Li leFishSwimming @li lefishswimmingva

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