My Swim Buddy’s Story
In 2011, My Swim Buddy set out with a goal to teach as many children as possible. The company’s mission was to use learning to swim as a way to build confidence and inspire youth to find satisfaction in doing the best they can. While that remains at the core of the company’s philosophy, the primary objective is to create safer, stronger swimmers.
Company leaders were initially driven by a passion for teaching swimming, while the national statistics concerning swimming and water safety became another urgent driving force to build quality programs:
54% of Americans can’t swim or don’t have basic swimming skills
— American Red Cross survey
Drowning remains the leading cause of death for U.S. children ages 1-4, and the second leading cause for children under 14
— Centers for Disease Control
Our Programs
My Swim Buddy offers private swim lessons to all ages and abilities, but truly specializes in Learn-to-Swim classes for infants and children.
Our teachers build safer, stronger, more confident swimmers.
1. 8 Levels of Achievement are recognized with our Colored Caps.
2. Character development is recognized by our Success Bracelets.
Our Teachers
We are a team of professional swim teachers that offer private swim lessons for infants through adults. Each teacher is certified in the My Swim Buddy Methodology, ensuring expert teaching techniques and professionalism.
Our teachers are vetted through a seven-step process and earn one and a half to two times more per hour than the industry standard — all while enjoying a work schedule that’s flexible and convenient. My Swim Buddy’s team includes infant, adult, and adaptive aquatics specialists.
Tiffany Hoggard
Founder and Head Aquatics Leader
Biography
Tiffany combined a psychology and social behavior degree from the University of California, Irvine with experience as a California-credentialed school teacher, coach, and business owner to develop and grow My Swim Buddy. More than 20 years of business and sales experience honed her business sense and leadership skills, but her childhood athletics provided the foundation and passion for teaching swimming.
At age 12, she competed in the Junior Olympics for swimming. Tiffany still holds the 800-meter record in track and field at Laguna Hills High School, which earned her a college scholarship. She developed a passion for teaching swimming when she was 16 and her swim coach offered her a summer job.
Tiffany was inspired to start My Swim Buddy by a single question, “What would you do for free?” She knew the answer instantly, “teach swimming.”
“I have nothing but continued growth and satisfaction since I decided to follow my heart,” Tiffany Hoggard.
Today, she leads a team of My Swim Buddy teachers, relentlessly finding, training, and supporting the most qualified and passionate swim teachers who also strive to make a positive impact on our youth. She hopes that she and the My Swim Buddy team can help support you and your family not just to learn to swim but to also gain confidence, drive, and passion for life. The My Swim Buddy teaching methodologies are sprinkled with the influences of her favorite coach, John Wooden, and driven by his principle of success: “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.”
When she is not in the water or helping her My Swim Buddy families and team, you can find Tiffany playing sand volleyball.
Biography
Julie discovered her passion for swimming and teaching when she moved to Texas from Chicago as a teenager. The first place she found “home” in Texas was when she joined the local YMCA swim team. This led to a summer job teaching swim lessons and coaching the swim team. Julie eventually managed the local YMCA swim program in her summers when she was home from college and early on in her teaching career. She took some time off from teaching swim lessons in order to raise her three fabulous children, one of which is on the Autism Spectrum.
Julie brings her experience and passion to teaching swim lessons as a former swimmer, swim instructor, lifeguard trainer, swim coach, and general special education teacher. As a diagnostician working with 2–5-year-old students, Julie has demonstrated her knowledge of young children’s overall development as well. She has extensive experience working with children of all ages in and out of the swimming pool.
Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a special education certification, as well as a Masters degree in Special Education. During her career as an educator, Julie has worked in both general education and special education, including working as a Behavior Specialist for several campuses. After receiving an educational diagnostician’s certificate, Julie served as an Autism evaluation team member for multiple area school districts.
Biography
Growing up around water – Dora’s mother and grandmother were both swim teachers – it is a natural extension of Dora’s talents to be a swim instructor as well. Prior to joining My Swim Buddy Dora gained experience as a camp counselor where she first realized she thoroughly enjoyed working with children. Dora is passionate about the next generation so she is pursuing a major in education at the University of North Dallas. Her passion lies in helping kids develop confidence and improve their swimming abilities.
Biography
I grew up in Fort Worth and moved to McKinney a few years ago. It was here that I fell in love with teaching kids how to swim.
My love for teaching comes from my love for swimming. Seeing kids push themselves and watching them grow while also forging a bond with them is an irreplaceable feeling and experience.
I hope to instill in kids the same passion and love for swimming that I have!
Biography
I love to see kids learning new swimming techniques and making sure they are having fun in the pool. I am super excited to be part of the Swim Buddy team and even more excited to work with the swimmers!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does My Swim Buddy work?
My Swim Buddy is a team of professional swim teachers that conduct private one-on-one swim lessons. All lessons are held at our heated residential pool in Prosper, TX.
All of our teachers are certified in first aid and CPR, background checked, insured, and receive 60+ hours of teacher training.
You and your swimmers will arrive at our pool 5 minutes before the start of your lesson time. Your teacher will have some questions to gain a better understanding of your swimming goals and how to best support your swimmer.
My Swim Buddy has all equipment needed to ensure an effective and successful lesson. All you have to do is show up at the time of your lesson willing to learn.
Our teachers will work at a pace appropriate for you/your swimmer to learn, feel safe yet challenged, and learn as much as you/they are interested in learning.
See more about the My Swim Buddy Methodology, Levels of Achievement (8 Cap Levels), and Character Building Bracelets (John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success) here.
How do I pick the right teacher?
Our Special Needs Teachers have completed advanced adaptive aquatics training so they are equipped with the necessary tools to effectively teach swimmers with Anxiety, Autism, Trauma, Discomfort, Physical Difficulties, Sensory Issues, Motor Problems, and Delays. Our training partner for this specialty is Swim Angelfish.
Please see teacher bios for areas of specialty you are interested in and sign up with a teacher whose skills fit your needs to ensure the best results. If you would like help finding the best class for your swim goals to be reached, please complete the student intake form here and we will assist you with getting started.
Do you teach group classes?
What types of classes are offered by My Swim Buddy?
Services are offered in multiple ways:
2-Week Intensive: Lessons are held Monday through Thursday at the same time each day for 2 consecutive weeks. Our Intensives are the most popular and are highly recommended for families who want to get significant results in the most efficient amount of time.
This program is currently a seasonal offering.
My Swim Buddy highly recommends every beginner or swimmer 5 & under start with at least one intensive, if possible. The intensive package has a 2-week minimum commitment. The average early learner takes about 6 – 8 weeks of practicing four or more times per week to become a Safer Swimmer. See more about our scheduling options and availability here.
Perpetual Membership: Lessons are offered with options of 1, 2, or 3 times per week. For those that are looking to add to their swim skills signing up for this program is ideal. See more about our scheduling options and availability here.
Combination: Or you can do what many of our swimmers choose and combine both of the above options. Start with the 2-week intensive and then maintain your new swim skills throughout the year or season with weekly (1x, 2x, or 3x) lessons.
Can I book directly with a swim teacher instead of through My Swim Buddy?
We have set up an easy-to-access Customer Portal through Captyn where you can schedule your preferred days, times, and teachers for your swimmer at your convenience. All of our teachers are direct employees of My Swim Buddy and their full availability can be accessed through this portal.
Do I need to bring anything to swim lessons?
What should I wear?
What should my infant or toddler wear?
Please note that all swimmers who are not potty trained will need to be double-diapered. This means they must wear a disposable swim diaper layered with a reusable swim diaper. If you do not have either of these, we have them available for you to purchase and pick up poolside.
“Having an accident” is something we know everyone wants to avoid. However, accidents do happen, and the steps needed to take to address the accident are costly to us and you, our customers. Here is what is recommended we need/are required to do by Federal, State, or local law.
Can I rebook with the same swim teacher?
Do parents get in the water?
Parent or guardian involvement when appropriate is encouraged but that discussion should be had prior to the lesson so that we can ensure your swimmer is paired with the appropriate coach to accomodate that scenario
Do you offer ISR?
How long is class?
Lesson times vary depending on the swimmers age, ability and comfort level in the water.
The length of the lesson for our more advanced programs increases as the swimmers, attention span, comfort, and independence increases. We set our lesson times to support the typical attention spam for learning.
Even though learning time is fun with our teachers we spend all of our lesson time helping our students learn and retain new skills. The maximum attention span and task focus for a young child is about 15 minutes. You can see the different programs, lesson lengths, and pricing on our customer portal.
What does your program consist of?
See more about the My Swim Buddy Methodology, Levels of Achievement (8 Cap Levels), and Charter Building Bracelet (John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success) here.
How much does it cost?
Your lesson fee will vary depending on the swim package and program you select. A swimmer’s age, ability, comfort level in the water, and goals can all play a part in which program and packages you choose. You can see the different programs, scheduling options, and pricing on our customer portal here.
Is the pool indoors or outdoors? Or Is the water warm?
How many times per week should my child start with?
That will vary based on your child’s swim level and comfort level, but here are some guidelines to help you:
Doesn’t Know How to Swim:
Our Intensives are the most popular and are highly recommended for families who want to get significant results in the most efficient amount of time. My Swim Buddy highly recommends every beginner or swimmer 5 & under start with at least one intensive, if possible. The intensive package has a 2-week minimum commitment. The average early learner takes about 6 – 8 weeks of practicing four or more times per week to become a Safer Swimmer. See our scheduling options and availability here.
Knows how to swim and wants to become a stronger swimmer:
After becoming a Safer Swimmer many of our students chose to continue building on their skills with weekly lessons (1x, 2x, 3x per week).For those that are looking to add to their swim skills and who want weekly lessons (1x, 2x, 3x per week). Signing up for our sessions (10 – 12 weeks) is ideal. See more about out scheduling options and availability here.
Where do we park?
Please take notice of parking signs and instructions on site. Parking is limited and at a private home. If we work together to follow a few simple steps everyone will be able to come and go easily.
- For cars with one swimmer, please use the circle drive to park in front of the house.
- If you arrive early to your lesson and are one of the last cars in the circle drive, please park and bring your swimmer to their lesson. When the swimmers that are attending lessons before you have left (and your swimmer is with their teacher), we ask that you please move your car to the top of the circle drive so those that arrive after you have a place to park.
- The two parking spots directly in front of the pool gate are reserved for cars with two or more swimmers and adult swimmers. Please do not park in these spots unless you have two or more swimmers or have adult lessons.
We also ask that you not park in front of the workshop to the far right, as that is the staff/resident parking.
Thank you for helping us make it possible for everyone to arrive and leave their lessons on time!
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation/Withdrawal Policy
Please see our Terms and Policy section here.
Inclement Weather Policy
Rain and cold weather do not cancel a lesson! My Swim Buddy has a dome enclosure around the pool in the cooler months. The dome combined with the heated (90 – 92) degree pool allow us to conduct lessons in the rain and in cold weather, so please plan to swim in the rain and cold weather. If this is a concern, please avoid booking in the colder season because for us to reserve our teachers for your lessons, we can not stray from this policy and must commit to the schedule you sign up for, rain or shine.
Lighting and/or thunder may cancel a lesson — but we will notify you if that is the case! If you do not hear from us, the lesson is still taking place!
If there is availability you will have the option to reschedule your lesson for a later date. My Swim Buddy must initiate the cancellation for you to be allowed to reschedule/receive credit for the weather cancelation. Do not assume a lesson is canceled due to the elements. My Swim Buddy will contact you and confirm the cancellation as soon as possible.
Late Policy
Your reserved time slot(s) will be the time period you have booked online. For example, if you reserve 4:00 pm to 4:15 pm and you arrive at 4:05 pm, your lesson will still end promptly at 4:15 pm. The time period before and after your lesson is allotted for other swimmers.
How do I create a Captyn account?
Questions?
Hours of Operations
Monday: 3 pm – 7 pm
Tuesday: 3 pm – 7 pm
Wednesday: 3 pm – 7 pm
Thursday: 3 pm – 7 pm
Friday: 3 pm – 7 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am – 1 pm
Sunday: Closed
*Hours are subject to change with the seasons
Affiliations
Learn more
Hope Floats offers scholarships and tuition assistance to children who may otherwise not be able to afford swim lessons, allowing us to offer qualified recipients the gift of life-saving swimming skills.