Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayne Halcomb.
Jayne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began teaching swim lessons as a teenager while competing for the YMCA swim team and working as a lifeguard. After earning my swim lesson certification, I spent my summers teaching, swimming, and lifeguarding alongside close friends at the pool. It was an experience I genuinely loved and one that sparked my passion for teaching and mentoring others.
I took a break from teaching after leaving the YMCA to attend college and pursue a corporate career, but everything changed once I became a parent many years later. When my son was just a few months old, I began introducing him to the water in our backyard pool—helping him kick, float on his back, and build confidence in the water. By the time he was 2½ years old, he was swimming independently under my instruction.
That experience reignited my passion for teaching swim lessons and made me realize it was time to leave the corporate world and start my own backyard swim school. Three years later, I now teach hundreds of children each summer, and I love every minute of it. I cherish every family that comes through my backyard and find so much joy in watching each child progress, grow stronger, and—most importantly—become safer and more confident in the water.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business from scratch comes with its fair share of challenges. In the beginning, nobody knew who I was—I didn’t yet have a reputation, word-of-mouth referrals, or the momentum that I’m fortunate to have today. I had to put myself out there and trust that the community would choose me to teach their children how to swim.
Thankfully, those early struggles have paid off. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and trust this community has shown my swim school. Today, I teach hundreds of kids during a 12-week summer season and maintain a waitlist of more than 100 students.
One challenge people probably wouldn’t expect is learning more than 100 children’s names every two weeks! In the beginning, that felt incredibly daunting, but once I got to know each child in the pool, it actually became surprisingly natural. Now, one of my favorite parts of the job is running into my students around town and being able to say, “Hi Riley!” or “Hi Emma!” and seeing their excitement when they recognize me too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m also a former competitive swimmer and was fortunate to be featured in Sports Illustrated magazine and on WFAA Channel 8 during my youth for my swimming accomplishments. Swimming has always been a huge part of my life. From a young age, I naturally gravitated toward the pool—whether I was spending time with friends, competing, or eventually teaching others how to swim.
What sets me apart from other swim schools and instructors is that my program is not one-size-fits-all. Every child learns differently, progresses at their own pace, and deserves instruction tailored to their individual needs and comfort level. While I teach group lessons rather than private lessons, I intentionally customize my approach for each swimmer. I introduce the lesson plan in a group setting, but closely monitor every child’s development and continue challenging them individually throughout the two-week program.
Some children come to me with an intense fear of even putting their face in the water, and it may take several days before they begin to feel comfortable and confident. Others arrive needing only a bit of guidance and are swimming independently within just a few days. No matter where a child starts, I believe that progress is progress, and I celebrate every milestone—big or small.
When you have a genuine passion for something, it shows in the way you teach and connect with others. My ultimate goal is simple: that every child leaves my two-week program safer, stronger, and more confident in the water than when they arrived.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way people can support me is by continuing to spread the word about my swim school and sharing their positive experiences with other families. Most of my growth has come through word-of-mouth referrals from happy parents, and I’m incredibly grateful for that support.
I also love collaborating with local businesses, schools, HOAs, and community organizations that value water safety and childhood development. My goal is to continue creating a positive, confidence-building environment where children not only learn to swim, but become safer and more comfortable in the water.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lakewayswimschool.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3rJiJDrsov/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakewayswimschoolbyjayne/
