Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabel Sanchez
Hi Isabel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey! About nine years ago, my family and I relocated to Orlando for my husband’s job. Leaving behind my corporate career was a big adjustment, but it gave me the opportunity to think about what I really wanted to do—and I knew I wanted to make a meaningful impact on the community.
When I discovered British Swim School and its mission to prevent drownings through survival-based swim lessons, I felt an immediate connection. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 4, and I knew I wanted to play a role in changing that heartbreaking statistic.
Since starting the British Swim School franchise here in Orlando, I’ve focused not only on teaching swim lessons but also on educating the community about water safety. A big part of our work involves offering free water safety presentations at schools, daycares, and local organizations. By equipping families with critical information, we’re working to ensure Orlando remains a community free from drownings.
We’re proud to have seen the impact of our efforts. In 2024 alone, we taught an incredible 21,956 swim lessons, helping children and adults gain life-saving water skills and build confidence. Additionally, we were honored to receive the President’s Circle Award at the Annual British Swim School Convention for the second year in a row—a testament to the dedication of our amazing team and the trust of the families we serve.
Of course, none of this has been without its challenges. When we first started, we had to build relationships with local families, assemble a team of talented instructors, and secure partnerships with pool facilities. But from day one, our mission of reducing drownings and creating confident swimmers kept us focused and motivated.
Today, I’m incredibly grateful for how much our program has grown and for the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of so many families. Whether it’s watching a child who was terrified of the water learn to float or seeing parents breathe easier knowing their little one has life-saving skills, it’s a privilege to be part of this work.
Thank you again for letting me share our story. I’m so thankful to be part of a community that values safety, education, and empowerment, and I look forward to continuing this important work for years to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has been incredibly rewarding, but it hasn’t always been smooth. Building trust and rapport with families in a new community took time. Parents understandably want to be sure their children are in safe hands, and establishing that trust required consistent communication, exceptional instruction, and showing real results.
One of the biggest challenges we faced was navigating through the pandemic. It was an uncertain and difficult time for everyone, and like most small businesses, we faced the fear of closures and disruptions. However, because drownings tragically increased during those years—largely due to children staying home while parents worked—we were classified as an essential business. We closed for only two months, focusing on reopening as safely as possible to continue teaching critical water survival skills.
Even during those tough moments, we saw the importance of what we do. Families would tell us how much they appreciated our work, and we knew we had to keep going for the sake of the kids and the community.
These challenges taught us resilience and the importance of adaptability. Today, I’m proud of how far we’ve come and grateful for the families who trust us with such an important part of their children’s lives. Every hurdle has strengthened our commitment to our mission of reducing drownings and building confidence in the water.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At British Swim School of Orlando, we are committed to providing life-saving water skills while fostering a lifelong love for swimming. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of individuals of all ages and skill levels, focusing on safety, confidence, and skill development.
We proudly offer a wide variety of programs, including:
Water Acclimation Lessons: Perfect for infants and young children, these classes focus on building comfort and confidence in the water through gentle, fun activities.
Survival Lessons: Teaching critical water safety skills, such as back floating, safe entry and exit, and breath control, to help students stay safe in emergency situations.
Barracudas Pre-Swim Team: Designed for swimmers ready to improve endurance, build strength, and refine techniques in preparation for competitive swimming.
Adult Swim Lessons: Tailored for beginners learning to swim for the first time or adults looking to enhance their skills.
Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction customized to individual needs and goals.
Special Needs Lessons: Inclusive, adaptive swim lessons designed to accommodate individuals with diverse abilities.
We operate out of five convenient locations across South Orlando, featuring indoor, heated pools to ensure lessons are comfortable and consistent year-round. This accessibility makes it easier for families to participate, no matter the weather.
What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized instruction. Our classes have a maximum of four students per class, ensuring every swimmer gets individual attention. Additionally, all our instructors are hands-on and in the water, providing support, encouragement, and guidance in a safe and welcoming environment.
Beyond lessons, we are passionate about drowning prevention and community education. Through free water safety presentations at schools, daycares, and local events, we aim to equip families with the knowledge they need to stay safe around water.
At British Swim School, we don’t just teach swimming—we teach life-saving skills, build confidence, and create lifelong memories. Whether you’re introducing your infant to the water, building survival skills, or preparing for a swim team, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that when you do something you truly love every day, the challenges that come your way don’t feel impossible. Passion for your work fuels resilience and adaptability because you believe so deeply in your mission.
Running a swim school comes with its share of obstacles—whether it’s building trust with families, navigating a global pandemic, or managing the day-to-day demands of a growing business. But knowing that our work saves lives and makes a difference in the community gives me the strength to push through and find solutions.
When your work is rooted in purpose, even the hardest days are rewarding. You’re not just tackling challenges; you’re constantly reminded of why you started in the first place. For me, it’s seeing a child who once feared water become confident or hearing from a parent how their child used the skills they learned in a real-life emergency. Those moments make every effort worthwhile.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that passion combined with purpose is the key to resilience. It gives you the ability to adapt, grow, and stay committed, no matter what comes your way.
Pricing:
- Once a week group lessons $140/month
- Twice a week group lessons $240/month (15% savings)
- Three times a week group lessons $300/month (30% savings)
- Once a week private lessons $255 a month
- Barracuda Pre-Swim Team – three times a week $290 a month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://britishswimschool.com/south-orlando/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bssorlando/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BSSORLANDO/
