As parents, we want to know how to teach our babies to swim because the desire to see, feel or hear water is universal. People from all walks of life seek its soothing yet refreshing nature. Water makes us want to play, frees the senses. Water stimulates and excites us at all ages.
The presence of a pool or beach makes any trip feel like a vacation to me and my family. That’s why all travelers should know how to teach newborns, babies and toddlers to swim.
Wherever you vacation — even at a theme park — water safety for children is key. Whatever your favorite water hole, here are some suggestions on how to have fun and play it safe with kids of every age.
- Do You Need Swimming Lesson Plans For Beginners
- How Many Swimming Lessons Does a Child Need to Take?
- How to Teach Baby to Swim 0-6 Months and Up to 2 Years
- How to Teach Baby to Swim from 6 Months to 2 Years: Water Play
- How to Teach a Toddler to Swim 3 to 8 Years: First Swim Lessons
- 6 Months to 16 Years: Pool Safety & Fun Games
- From Swimming Babies to Aquanauts: The Right Gear
- I Love these Water Park Safety Tips
Do You Need Swimming Lesson Plans For Beginners
Swimming lesson plans depend on when and where you teach your baby to swim. If it’s on vacation, when you’ll have more time to work with children, start slow. Follow our water safety tips and always stay close to beginner swimmers of any age.
However far you get teaching babies and toddlers how to swim, you’ll probably want to follow up at home with professional lessons.
How Many Swimming Lessons Does a Child Need to Take?
If you’re taking baby or toddlers to the local pool or YMCA for swim class, they have designed a group program to suit their age and ability. Most classes are progressive.
Children who start at any age can continue to learn how to swim until they’re qualifying for Olympic trials. Some parents prefer private instruction. Others are fans of the Infant Swimming Resource technique of water safety, so read on.
What Are IRS Swim Lessons? Or, Better, What is ISR?
The initials are not actually IRS, although most people remember to pay their taxes more often than they think about swim safety. The system called ISR swim lessons has become increasingly popular, and it stands for Infant Swimming Resource. ISR is a group of water safety professionals which has advocated for teaching babies to swim and protect themselves from drowning since 1966. Their website claims their specially trained instructors have delivered more than 19,000,000 ISR Self-Rescue Lessons.
The ISR stated mission, “Not One More Child Drowns,” is behind a program some call ‘tough love’ instruction. However, their self-rescue techniques to prevent drowning for children under 4 years have been very successful. Check out their website for recommendations of trained ISR swim instructors in your region.
You don’t have to search far online for evangelists of this rigorous teaching method, which might include throwing fully-cothed children into a pool so they can rescue themselves. The video explains their goal of teaching all infant swimmers to turn over and float on their backs if they find themselves in water. Lessons are typically private — one-on-one is how they teach baby how to swim — and they’re expensive. It makes sense that parents who have their own swimming pools or live close to the water are more in favor of the technique than those who expose children to water only occasionally.
How to Teach Baby to Swim 0-6 Months and Up to 2 Years
Now, back to you teaching kids how to swim. If you want your baby to learn how to swim, both of you should be relaxed in the water. Most infants are naturally buoyant; they need less physical support but more breath control than older children.
First tip: Don’t forget the sun protection. Sunscreen should be waterproof, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. SPF30 sunscreen is used on children up to 6 years but must be reapplied more often than the label suggests.
Buy Bullfrog SPF50 for tough-to-please teenagers. Bullfrog suncreen and insect repellents are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate chemicals. That makes them healthier for young swimmers and compliant with the reef-protecting rules on most Caribbean islands and Hawaii Act 104. It’s what I use, surfers use, and it’ll go with the cool motif. Trust me.
How to Teach Baby to Swim from 6 Months to 2 Years: Water Play
Before plunging into the resort pool or ocean, find out the water temperature. Most kids don’t like cold water, especially below 79° F. Typically, recreational pools are heated to 82-86° F and lap pools to 78-82° F. Water park pools are usually kept at 84° F.
Begin by holding her loosely around the chest, just under the arms, so her face is just above the water. If your baby can control her own breathing without straining, let her legs dangle.
When she’s calm, sing, talk, and push and pull her through the water.
Your baby will love whatever water play your imagination conjures up. And loving the water is the first priority in how to teach babies to swim.
How to Teach a Toddler to Swim 3 to 8 Years: First Swim Lessons
A swimming lesson plan is more appropriate for kids ages 3 to 8 years. Most parents, and even some group swim class instructors, start toddlers and older children in a pool with an inflatable device. (Inflatable flotation devices include arm swimmies and water wings.)
At first, these devices may float or push a child face down if they don’t move their arms. Whether you’re holding up your toddler or they’re wearing a floatie, take children’s hands and show them how they can scoop handfuls of water to move forward.
Then, introduce familiar elements in the pool, such as favorite bath toys, to chase around. Encourage any kind of movement in the water. Demonstrate how to blow bubbles and how to spit water out of the mouth. Children beam with excitement once they experience a sense of independence in the water. Though I’m not yet a parent, that glow always fills me with the warmest feelings.
Safety Note about Inflatable Devices or Floaties
As an aquatics instructor, I don’t recommend inflatable flotation devices for non-swimmers. I know preschoolers love to play on big inflatable rafts, toy boats, and silly animals. However, in fun park wave pools or open water, an inflatable flotation toy or ring can turn a child upside down, and hold them with quite a resistance. Always be there to supervise.
Similarly, ocean and sea currents can be strong and change without warning. Just as toddlers at the water’s edge need supervision, adults should hold onto smaller children with any flotation device, even if they’re only in water up to their waists.
Flotation devices also give children and supervising adults a false sense of security. Even worse, they deflate easily and restrict an instinctive swimmer’s natural movements.
Remember, you must remain with a child wearing any flotation device (including a life jacket, ice cube or foam block, inner tube-filled swim suit, and others).
In fact, teach your children to always look for a lifeguard or ask for adult supervision before swimming. I even recommend to fairly good swimmers to make sure someone is aware that they’re in the water. This is especially true for kids! I believe no child should ever be left alone around any amount of water.
6 Months to 16 Years: Pool Safety & Fun Games
Depending on the level of proficiency, there are lots of fun and safe water games you can play to encourage swimming skills.
Four to 8-year-olds like Marco Polo, Sharks and Minnows, and kickboard races.
With 8-16 year olds, review the facility’s regulations and health rules so that everyone understands guidelines for acceptable behavior.
Never assume that a teenager engaged in group water play is adequately looking after a younger child or non-swimmer.
From Swimming Babies to Aquanauts: The Right Gear
Off to the Arctic with young swimmers? Don’t despair! Wet suits are a fashion trend that really keep kids warm! As alternative swim wear, they can be quite versatile, offering protection from the sun, a lightweight shield against scrapes and stings and, as an extra bonus, additional buoyancy. Personally, I wear a short one when I’m teaching all day in the pool, and I recommend the same to students who get cold easily.
Shop online for wetsuits that come in different sizes and colors. I’ve seen short suits small enough to fit 1’s and 2’s, and wetsuit vests to fit 10-month-olds. Of course, they’re not cheap: neoprene wet suits range from $35-$200 on up.
Once they have a wetsuit, your teenagers would probably love to talk you into getting a Boogie Board and fins. Again, they’re not cheap, but they are a lot of fun.
Kids ride a boogie board like a very short surfboard, remaining on their stomachs. They use the fins to spin around on top of the waves to create a liquid roller coaster! Not to mention that they really do look very cool with all this gear. Before you invest, call ahead to find out if your beach resort rents boards and fins. The local dive shop may rent wetsuits.
I Love these Water Park Safety Tips
Before any trip to the water with your swimming toddler, please review more Water Safety Tips compiled by professional swim instructors. Water parks have a vested interest in keeping their customers safe, too. The Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, waterpark capital of the USA, shares important water safety tips.
1. Learn to swim. Children (and adults) should always be comfortable with the water and swimming before a day at the waterpark, beach, or pool.
2. Always follow the rules, read signs around swimming areas, and listen to lifeguards on duty. Remember that running can cause slips, falls, and injuries. For extra traction and protection, try water shoes which are generally permitted in all waterparks.
3. Ensure that there are emergency numbers, a telephone, and life preservers nearby and learn infant and child CPR.
4. Adults (not other children) must supervise children in the pool at all times. Always check back to the pool first if a child is missing!
5. Be aware that drowning often happens in silence; don’t expect to hear flailing or screams.
6. Prevent choking by spitting out your chewing gum and clearing food from the swimming area.
7. Remove flotation devices and toys from the empty pool to avoid temptation. These are not safety devices, and a beach ball or smiling dolphin could lure a child into the pool unsupervised. If you need a flotation device, always use a life vest instead of floaties and toys.
8. Since infants can drown in a few inches of water, drain wading pools when supervised play is over.
9. Before diving in, check depth of pools and waterparks, including shallow play areas for toddlers.
10. Always observe a waterslide, diving board, and water activities to know how everything works and what to expect before jumping in.
11. Before a day of water play, choose a meeting area such as the first aid station in the event your group becomes separated.
If you own a pool, remember to create multiple obstacles to children sneaking in by themselves. A fence, a pool cover, and an alarm can be an effective combination. Also, remove the ladder of an above ground pool when not in use. Most importantl, educate your children about water safety— teach them that safety and family fun can go together!
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.