Referrals
Miss Julie’s mission is to provide as many children and families as possible with the knowledge and skills to stay safe in and around the water. This referrals page is here to help families find trusted independent instructors and other local water safety programs. While Miss Julie can't teach every child personally, she's dedicated to helping families connect with qualified independent instructors who share her commitment to water safety.
Disclaimer:
The list of Independent Instructors and programs is provided for informational purposes only. Each Independent Instructor’s business or program is independently owned and operated. Julie Schiess, doing business as “Miss Julie” and Water Safe Swim, is not affiliated with any of the local referrals, makes no representation, recommendation, or guarantee regarding any Independent Instructor—except that each has been trained in the “Water Safe Swim” Method. Julie Schiess and Water Safe Swim are not responsible for the services, conduct, or negligence of any Independent Instructor or their business. You should carefully and independently evaluate and choose your swim instructor or program.
Independent Instructors
In 2012 Miss Julie recognized the need to broaden her impact and began training additional Independent Instructors in the "Water Safe Swim" method to expand the reach. Each Independent Instructor is personally trained and certified by Miss Julie to have demonstrated the highest standards of water safety, care, knowledge and instruction of Water Safe Swim’s water safety program, ensuring a consistent and safe experience for every child and family.
Along with demonstrating that they are highly qualified, the Independent Instructors have also shown a deep passion for water safety. With a focus on creating a supportive, nurturing environment, they are each committed to helping every child develop competence and confidence in essential water safe swimming skills.
Below is a list of Independent Instructors trained in the “Water Safe Swim” Method. Please reach out to them directly for their own scheduling information including costs, availability and program information.
Escalon
Kacey Cheary, Instructor
WSS Certified since 2019
Morada
Tiffany Albritton, Instructor
WSS Certified since 2024
Lodi
Kevin & Kylie Bennett, Instructors
WSS Certified since 2025
South Lodi
Karyn Bussman, Instructor
WSS Certified since 2020
Modesto
Riley Shultz, Instructor
WSS Certified since 2025
Local Referrals
In any swim program you choose, the swimmer shouldn’t be the only one learning. Parents play a key role in water safety and should be educated along the way with information and suggestions that set your family up for swimming success. Everything I share is meant to help you understand the importance of LAYERS and guide you in creating a WATER SAFETY PLAN that uses as many of these layers as possible. Swim lessons are just one layer in protecting your child from a potential water tragedy. The more layers you put in place, the stronger your family’s safety net becomes—giving your child the confidence and joy to safely enjoy all types of water environments.
When deciding what type of swim is best for your child keep in mind that the more your child swims the more confident they will become and the stronger their swim skills will be. Give your child as many opportunities to swim as possible! Learning the five swim strokes does not ensure your child is a good or competent swimmer. Once your child learns what their body can do in the water the more water exposure and time swimming is what will produce excellent, safe, strong, and confident swim skills.
Below is a list of Independent Instructors and Programs, organized by category. Simply click on a category name to view each listing along with contact details and more information.
Disclaimer:
Miss Julie | Water Safe Swim are not affiliated with, nor responsible for, the actions, services, or policies of any independent instructors, programs or services listed.
Kamdyn offers private, one-on-one swim lessons focused on building strong, competent swimmers while developing confidence in the water. A Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School graduate (March 2026), she is incredibly organized and responsible. This will be her fourth year teaching lessons. Lessons are available for ages 4 and up.
209-331-3527
Kali offers private, one-on-one swim lessons focused on building strong swimming skills and confidence in the water. She is a Lodi High School sophomore, competitive gymnast and cheerleader, JV Cheer Captain, and a member of the Lodi High Stunt Team. Kali is thrilled to share her passion for swimming and teach lessons of her own! Lessons are available for ages 4 and up.
209-371-7719
Mia, trained by Ashley Reilly, former Director of Youth Aquatics at Cal, is entering her fifth year teaching private, one-on-one traditional swim lessons. She focuses on stroke technique and turn skills, helping swimmers build strong, confident skills. Lessons available for ages 4 and up.
Ashley Reilly 209-481-4355
Keenan offers private, one-on-one traditional swim lessons designed to build strong, confident swimmers while focusing on proper stroke technique. A freshman at St. Mary’s High School, Keenan lives and teaches in Linden. He’s a competitive water polo player for both his club team and St. Mary’s High. Lessons available for ages 4 and up.
209-265-7232
In Memory
Miss Kim Goss (1952-2020)
Instructor
WSS Certified 2015-2020
“Fun in the sun” is the way her family describes how Miss Kim loved to spend her time. After retiring from her career as a bookkeeper, she discovered her true passion: teaching water safety and swimming to infants, toddlers, and young children—including her own grandchildren. Miss Kim’s dedication, warmth, and enthusiasm left a lasting impact on countless families, and her legacy continues to inspire the Water Safe Swim Method today.
