What This Orientation Is
This is a private, 1-on-1 session with Jeanne — the instructor who leads our baby and infant program personally. It has two purposes: to introduce your baby to the water in a calm, positive way, and to give Jeanne the information she needs to build a program specifically for your child.
Every baby arrives differently. Some are calm and curious. Some are apprehensive. A few have already had a frightening experience near water. Jeanne's job in this first session is to meet your baby exactly where they are — and to give you an honest picture of what they need and how to get there.
You will be present for the entire session. There are no surprises.
Why This Age Matters
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in Texas children ages 1–4. The majority of these incidents happen in home pools, in less than two minutes, with an adult nearby. The child entered the water silently.
Babies between 6 and 18 months are in a critical window. Their bodies are already capable of learning the physical responses that make water survivable — floating, breath control, rolling to their back. Starting now means those skills are built early, before the age when most drowning incidents occur.
At 18 months, babies in our program graduate to regular swim lessons. The goal of this program is to make sure that happens with a child who already knows the water — not one who is encountering it for the first time.
What We Work Toward
The orientation is the starting point. After Jeanne assesses your baby, she will recommend a personalized plan. Every baby works toward the same milestones — at their own pace:
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1Water comfortBefore any skill is introduced, we make the water a safe and familiar place. Face submersion, breath control, and learning to relax — on the baby's terms.
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2Independent back floatingThe foundational survival skill. A baby who can float on their back can breathe. Everything else builds from here.
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3Roll and floatRolling from face-down to back independently. This is the skill that turns a dangerous moment into a survivable one.
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4Swim to the wallPropelling toward the nearest edge of the pool — not for speed, but for direction and purpose. Getting to something they can hold onto.
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5Fully clothed water entry and self-rescueThe real-world milestone: the baby enters the water fully clothed, rolls to float, and reaches the wall independently. This is the goal of the entire program.
We never use stress or shock to produce these skills.
There are programs that use immersion or frightening experiences to condition survival responses in infants. That is not our approach. We believe a baby who trusts the water — and trusts their instructor — develops stronger, more durable skills than one who was simply conditioned to survive it.
Jeanne builds the relationship first. The skills follow from there.
How Often Should My Baby Come?
We recommend 4–5 sessions per week for a minimum of 6 weeks.
This may sound like a lot. Here is why it matters specifically at this age: young babies encode physical skills through repetition in a way that older children do not. The more frequently a baby enters the water in the early weeks, the faster their body builds the comfort and muscle memory that makes these skills permanent.
Families who start with 1–2 sessions per week consistently find the program takes significantly longer to complete — and spend more overall than families who committed to a more frequent schedule early on. We recommend 4–5 sessions per week not because it benefits us, but because our own students have shown us that it produces faster results and a lower total investment for the family.
We will never pressure you into a schedule that doesn't work for your life. Jeanne will walk through all of this at the orientation and recommend what she genuinely thinks is right for your baby.
Your Instructor
This program is Jeanne's. She teaches every baby and infant session personally.
Coach Jeanne ("Genie")
Jeanne has been at the heart of OTA Swim since the beginning. She brings a rare combination of structure and warmth — she reads where a child is emotionally before she ever thinks about technique. Families with infants trust her because she is unhurried and unflappable. She runs mornings and afternoons.
What Happens at the Orientation
- ✔ Private 1-on-1 session with Jeanne — no other children in the water
- ✔ Jeanne observes how your baby responds to the water, to submersion, and to being held and guided
- ✔ You receive honest feedback about where your baby is and what they need
- ✔ Jeanne recommends a personalized session schedule and program plan
- ✔ Your $40 is credited in full when you enroll in a monthly plan
A Note for Parents
If your baby has had any frightening experience near water, has any medical considerations, or if you simply want to talk before booking — please call us first. Jeanne will want to speak with you before your baby gets in the water.
There is no graduation on a fixed schedule here. The goal is a real skill that could one day save your child's life — and we do not rush that.
📞 855-682-3483
Book the Orientation
$40 · Credited in full to your first month when you enroll in a plan. Book online below or call us first with any questions.
📞 855-682-3483Mornings & afternoons available · Katy, TX · Ages 6–18 months