Smart Baby Swim

Last night on Navigating Neva, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Shalene Hill.

I thought I knew her story, but I learned so much more.

Shalene is beautifully trained, deeply certified, musically gifted, and full of heart. She shared how she got started, where she came from, and how her journey has shaped the way she teaches today.

One of my favorite parts of the conversation was hearing how she moved from infant survival swim instruction into a more regulation-based approach — using music, soothing, connection, and her philosophy of safety, smile, and skill.

That is the kind of teaching that changes lives.

Her story is beautiful. Her work is beautiful. And I enjoyed every minute of this conversation. https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FFH7ef80cttfZJ33ZiPHx?si=JzCrte-pQ3i5tfWwc0ggHQ

Tonight on Navigating Neva, Wesley King and I welcomed Steadfast Safety — Kevin, Blake, and Charles — for a conversation about innovation, rescue readiness, and practical tools that support aquatic professionals.

We discussed their Steadfast Rescue Tube and The Growler Oxygen Key Whistle, but more importantly, we talked about the real work behind creating products for lifeguards, facilities, and emergency response teams.

You can listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1wiFY0eCzGi2VIBWRv2Hv6?si=DeLPKTi8SK2pCIgUkS966A

Speak, don’t hold back, don’t be silenced.

Join my skool community: https://www.skool.com/navigating-neva-5481/about?ref=b3ecbc99a6424796a7e8cd6a0c19cece

Life isn’t smooth sailing.
Some days the waves lift us high.
Some days the boat dips, water rises, and we struggle to stay afloat.

We try to balance the scales
holding empathy without collapsing our boundaries,
caring without losing ourselves.

Sensitivity isn’t weakness.
It’s strength.
The lesson isn’t “don’t care”—it’s “care with discernment.”

Whether you’re a teen learning compassion,
a young adult learning to protect your own path,
or a parent shaping empathy without crushing it
life asks us to keep dancing, keep showing up, keep learning balance.

When the waves get high, the boat tips, and the water pours in…
what keeps you afloat?
What’s your anchor when life gets heavy?

💬 I want to know: How do you stay steady, stay positive, and keep moving forward when the tide is against you?

Georgia is opening the door for high school students to earn elective credit through Lifeguarding + Aquatic Safety.
Starting in the 2026–2027 school year, districts may offer this course, and it can count as 0.5 elective credit when taught in compliance. 
This can be built using nationally recognized programs like American Red Cross (and others) Lifeguarding, and districts can partner with local pools to make it happen. 

If you’d like to see this offered in our district, comment “LIFEGUARD ELECTIVE” and tag a principal/board member. Let’s build a safer community and a stronger teen workforce.