Instructors

Barb Graeve

I love to teach. I love to work with people, to encourage them and see them develop and attain new skills. I never get tired of what I do because of the smiles and faces of amazement that I experience each time someone expresses the joy and pride of a new accomplishment. I consider this job to be a serious responsibility because people are trusting us to keep them safe physically and emotionally, and I don’t want to do anything that would violate that trust.

I love to train up new teachers. I love watching them mature in their skills. I see them grow in confidence in what they do. I watch them learn to communicate effectively with their students and our families. I love to watch them as they bond with their classes, loving on each child, and trying to find the best way to help each child succeed. I expect each instructor to be the best that they can be and to always work to their fullest potential. Many have gone on to manage their own learn to swim programs and coach.

Memberships

• United States Swim School Association
• National Drowning Prevention Association

Credentials
American Red Cross Certificates in:

• Lifeguarding
• Life Guard Instructor Trainer
• CPR
• First Aid For the Professional Rescuer

Experience

• 18 years as a competitive swimmer.
• 20 years coaching experience.
• Began teaching career in 1972.
• 12 years teaching Physical Education in the Omaha Public Schools.
• BS in Education.
• Employed 12 years with the Omaha Public Schools.
• Barb Graeve Swim School established in September 1998.

I am very grateful to God for allowing me to do this. I know that this is what I am to do. He has shown me step by step how to teach swimming and has taught me about the other things that are happening beyond the actual skills that are learned. He continues to reveal how to reach my students according to their individual needs. It is an amazing privilege.