Swim Safety Starts Early with Giddy Swimmers
As families get ready for summer, local swim instructor Giddy Allred shares important pool safety tips for children of all ages.
As temperatures rise in San Diego County, water safety becomes more important than ever. Local swim instructor Giddy Allred, owner of Giddy Swimmers Swimming Lessons, is helping families in Ramona, San Diego Country Estates, Julian, and Poway build confidence and life-saving skills in the water.
Allred offers private and semi-private swim lessons with up to three students at clients’ homes. For families without a pool, lessons are also available at a Ramona location off Dye Road. She teaches swimmers of all ages from as young as 4 months to adults, including beginners, those overcoming a fear of water, and competitive swim team athletes.
“I have been teaching swim for 18 years,” says Allred, who is CPR, BLS, and AED certified. In addition to her extensive aquatics background, she has worked as an instructional aide with elementary, middle, and high school students, and has taken courses in child development.
Her programs emphasize both water safety and long-term skill development. “The key to my teaching is progression,” Allred explains. “It’s not just about learning strokes like front crawl or backstroke it’s about understanding what those skills build toward over time.”
Giddy Swimmers offers a range of structured levels tailored by age and ability. Parent-and-tot classes (ages 4–18 months) focus on water comfort skills such as blowing bubbles, assisted submersion, floating, and responding to cues. Toddlers (18 months–3 years) progress through playful, skill-based levels like “Sea Star,” “Seahorse,” and “Otter,” where they practice back floats, retrieving toys, assisted glides, and safe pool entry.
For older children, lessons build into proper stroke technique, breath control, and endurance, helping swimmers gain confidence and independence in the water.
This summer, Allred will also introduce Splash Ball for young children interested in learning the basics of water polo. The program will include 8U and 12U groups (ages 8 and under, and 9–12). Participants do not need to be strong swimmers but should be comfortable in the water and able to stand in the pool.
Safety remains a top priority in every lesson. Allred encourages parents to dress children in bright-colored swimsuits for better visibility and stresses the importance of active supervision. “The parent is the number one safety,” she says.
She also advises against relying on inflatable floaties, noting they can create a false sense of security. If flotation devices are used, they should be U.S. Coast Guard-approved. For pool parties, she recommends hiring a lifeguard or designating a responsible adult to always watch the water.
In cooler weather, Allred even offers “jacuzzi lessons,” adjusting water temperatures to safely introduce younger children to swimming in a controlled environment.
Giddy Swimmers is truly a family-centered business. Allred’s husband, Brandon Allred, serves as co-founder and manages finance and operations. The team also includes experienced instructors Claire Odenwalder and Avonlea Hammonds.
Above all, Allred’s passion is clear. “I love kids, and I am passionate about swimming, so I combined them both,” she says.
Giddy Swimmers’ mission is to provide high-quality swim instruction that builds safety, confidence, and lifelong skills. As Allred emphasizes, “Water safety saves lives and it’s one of the most valuable gifts you can give your child.”
For more information or to book lessons, contact Giddy Swimmers at 858-284-7671 or email giddy@giddyswimmers.com. Follow @GiddySwimmers on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates.
Photo provided by Giddy Allred
