How to Prepare Your Child for Swim Lessons

Starting a journey in the water is a monumental milestone for any family. While it is natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves, proper preparation ensures that the transition into formal instruction is positive. We believe that a confident start leads to a lifetime of water safety and enjoyment for every young swimmer […]

4 Water Safety Skills Your Infant Can Learn

Introducing your infant to the water is about more than just fun splashes; it is about building a foundation of safety and confidence that lasts a lifetime. While infants aren’t ready for the butterfly stroke, they are incredibly capable of learning life-saving maneuvers. We focus on gentle, evidence-based techniques that empower even our youngest swimmers […]

When Is the Best Age to Start Swim Lessons

When it comes to water safety, the most common question we hear from parents is about timing. We believe that the ability to navigate the water is a fundamental life skill that should begin as early as possible. At our facility, we see firsthand how early exposure creates a baseline of safety and a lifelong […]

4 Essential Water Safety Rules for Families

a family playing in a pool

Ensuring your children are safe around the water is the top priority at PhD Swim School. Whether you are heading to the local pool or taking a family beach trip, establishing clear boundaries can prevent accidents and build confidence. Dive into these four crucial water safety rules and learn how to implement them effectively. Never […]

Understanding the Swim-Float-Swim Survival Sequence

survival swimming lessons

At PhD Swim School, we believe that water safety is a fundamental life skill that begins with competence, not just comfort. Our curriculum is rooted in behavioral neuroscience, focusing on how children actually learn motor skills through repetition and positive reinforcement. The cornerstone of our approach is the swim-float-swim sequence, a proven method for aquatic […]

4 Major Benefits of Early Infant Swimming

swim instructor teaching an infant to swim

Deciding when to start your child’s aquatic journey is a significant milestone for any parent. While many families view the pool primarily as a place for summer recreation, early exposure to water offers a profound range of developmental advantages that extend far beyond simple splashing. At PhD Swim School, we approach instruction through the lens […]

How to Handle a Toddler Who Fears Water

toddler with an adult in the pool

Watching your child hesitate at the water’s edge can be heart-wrenching, but water anxiety is a common hurdle for many families. At PhD Swim School in Durham, North Carolina, we understand that these fears are often rooted in a lack of sensory familiarity and physical control. By shifting our perspective from forcing fun to building […]

Group vs Private Swim Lessons: Which Is Better

female swim instructor with infant in pool

Choosing the right environment for your child to learn how to swim is one of the most important safety decisions you will make. While we recognize that many families consider the social aspect of group classes, the choice between group and private settings often comes down to the speed of progress and the quality of […]

Coach Katie Blalock

SENIOR INSTRUCTOR, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Katie B. is a former sprint triathlete and triathlete coach. She also has experience teaching fearful adult beginners how to swim. Katie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She also has prior accounting and business administration experience with Raleigh Brewing Company and Charles & Colvard.

Katie has two boys herself and loves working with young children. She is a gifted teacher with special strengths in class organization, maintaining structure in a fun environment, and establishing a relationship of trust with her students. Katie has undergone over fifty hours of intense in-water and academic training to learn our method. She primarily manages all day-to-day business activities and is also an instructor. She currently teaches Survival, Kicks & Tricks, and, FUNdations.